Review
Energy & Fuels
Behnaz Rahmatmand, Arash Tahmasebi, Hannah Lomas, Tom Honeyands, Pramod Koshy, Kim Hockings, Apsara Jayasekara
Summary: Blast furnace technology remains the main ironmaking route, accounting for 70% of global share. Reducing fossil carbon consumption and CO2 emissions in blast furnace operations is crucial for decarbonizing steelmaking. Various solutions such as introducing renewable carbon-based materials, using hydrogen-enriched reducing gases, oxygen enrichment, and carbon capture and storage/utilization have been considered. Improving the hydrogen-to-carbon replacement ratio is key to enhancing the sustainability of blast furnace operations. This paper reviews the impact of alternative reducing agents on coke gasification behavior, degradation mechanism, and consumption rate in blast furnaces.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ketija Bumbiere, Edite Meikulane, Armands Gravelsins, Jelena Pubule, Dagnija Blumberga
Summary: The progress of the agricultural sector towards climate neutrality is crucial for the climate, as well as the economy and society. This research used Latvia as a case study to create a system dynamics model, aiming to understand the structure and identify weak points of the system. The results demonstrated the importance of investing in innovative technologies to enhance economic competitiveness and reduce emissions in agriculture.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Muhammad Yousaf Raza, Mohammad Maruf Hasan
Summary: Technological progress has a positive impact on the global economy and can also reduce carbon emissions. This study examines the relationship between technological progress and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Bangladesh's manufacturing and industrial sectors from 1980 to 2018. The findings suggest that technological progress in the manufacturing sector has a positive impact on CO2 emissions, while the impact of technological progress in the industrial sector varies. The study also predicts a continued growth in CO2 emissions with lower environmental effects from 2019 to 2040. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of implementing policies to improve management capability, foster technical development, raise public awareness, promote energy-saving technologies and energy efficiency measures, and support green technology in both sectors.
Article
History
Andrew Fiala
Summary: The paper describes meliorism as a middle path between optimism and pessimism, characterized by pragmatism, humanism, secularism, and historical grounding. Epistemic modesty is a key feature of meliorism, stemming from a deep understanding of the long history of debates about progress and enlightenment.
JOURNAL OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF HISTORY
(2021)
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
A. Bhuvaneskumar, Jithin Benedict, Mahalakshmi Sankar
Summary: Despite economic growth driven by globalization, social development of many countries is hindered by lack of financial inclusion, illiteracy, and poor health conditions. This study examines the nexus of human development, financial inclusion, and carbon emissions to guide policy makers in making strategic choices for sustainable social development.
SOCIAL INDICATORS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hui Xing, Charles Stuart, Stephen Spence, Hua Chen
Summary: The maritime sector is increasingly interested in fuel cells as clean power sources, focusing on improving energy efficiency, reducing power capacity, and sensitivity to fuel impurities. Future development directions include coupling with batteries, modular production, and optimized operational control strategies to enhance performance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Markus Pollanen, Timo Liljamo, Erika Kallionpaa, Heikki Liimatainen
Summary: The study found that environmental practices of road freight hauliers did not significantly improve over the past decade despite shared belief in the need to reduce emissions. Hauliers rarely perceived interest from shippers towards energy efficiency, calling for more support and encouragement for environmentally aware practices.
Article
Thermodynamics
Paul J. Burke, Fiona J. Beck, Emma Aisbett, Kenneth G. H. Baldwin, Matthew Stocks, John Pye, Mahesh Venkataraman, Janet Hunt, Xuemei Bai
Summary: The Asia-Pacific region has seen significant growth in energy use and is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases. Australia has been a major player in meeting the region's energy needs, but its exports contribute to a substantial amount of emissions. However, the country has the potential to become a key exporter of zero-carbon energy and products, contingent on cost reductions, growing demand, and the development of clean energy trade frameworks.
Article
Economics
Mara Hammerle, Paul J. Burke
Summary: This study examines the influence of household vulnerability on the effects of switching to new energy-efficient electrical appliances, using the Australian Capital Territory Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme as a case study. The results show that replacing appliances can lead to a significant decrease in residential natural gas consumption, while the impact on grid electricity consumption is relatively small. Switching to electric hot water heaters can greatly reduce natural gas consumption, especially for more vulnerable households.
Article
Economics
Tong Zhang, Paul J. Burke
Summary: The increase in gasoline prices is expected to reduce housing demand in areas further from the central business district (CBD), especially in cities with high automobile ownership rates and low population density. The rise of electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and working from home is likely to contribute to a lowering of geographical price differentials within Chinese cities over time.
CHINA ECONOMIC REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Area Studies
Thang Nam Do, Paul J. Burke
Summary: This paper reviews the progress of establishing an ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and identifies the key barriers to cross-border electricity trade in ASEAN. By analyzing political, technical, institutional, economic, environmental, social, and time dimensions, the paper concludes that it is premature for ASEAN to pursue strong power sector market integration due to significant barriers, particularly economic and institutional barriers. The paper suggests focusing on bilateral power purchase agreements and large-scale investments in solar and wind power between 2022 and 2030, which would contribute to stronger regional integration in the electricity sector while promoting renewable energy adoption.
ASIA PACIFIC VIEWPOINT
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Mara Hammerle, Paul J. Burke
Summary: Analyzing survey data from Australian households, this study found that households with solar PV have a decreased likelihood of experiencing energy poverty, and they also have less difficulty in paying bills on time.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Meixuan Teng, Hua Liao, Paul J. Burke, Tianqi Chen, Chen Zhang
Summary: Rising temperatures will increase residential demand for electricity, and the specific effects vary depending on geographical area and socio-economic conditions. In China, each additional day of high temperatures is associated with an increase in residential electricity use relative to days with lower temperatures.
Article
Economics
Rohan Best, Paul J. Burke
Summary: This study uses household survey data from Australia to examine whether renters face higher energy bills compared to similar households. The findings show that, after controlling for net wealth, renting has a positive effect on residential electricity expenditure, with renters spending on average about 8% more than otherwise similar households. The effect is driven by higher usage quantities rather than higher average prices, and a similar pattern is observed for overall residential energy expenditure. The study highlights the importance of net wealth as a crucial control variable and suggests the potential for more ambitious policies to address energy-related disadvantages faced by renters in Australia. Further research is needed to determine if similar effects are observed in other countries.
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Paul J. Burke
Summary: Australia is transitioning from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. This shift may result in a decrease in fossil fuel exports due to the incompatible emission targets of trading partners. The transition highlights the importance of efficient revenue-raising mechanisms for the government, and this paper explores various policy options. These options include reforming corporate income tax, implementing carbon pricing, electronic road user pricing, progressive royalties, industry levies, and government co-investments to generate revenue.
AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND RESOURCE ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Economics
Hua Liao, Chen Zhang, Paul J. Burke, Ru Li, Yi-Ming Wei
Summary: Extreme temperatures can have adverse health effects, but limited data availability and reliability in developing countries hinders our understanding of the magnitude of this impact. Using data from 2872 counties in China, we found that a daily maximum temperature of 38 ? or above increases the monthly mortality rate by approximately 1.7% compared to a maximum temperature in the range of 16-21 ?. Higher GDP per capita at the county level is associated with lower mortality effects, and improvements in dwelling conditions and local healthcare infrastructure also contribute to reducing mortality effects. Without strong adaptation efforts, there may be upward pressure on annual mortality rates in populous counties, particularly under more extreme climate change scenarios.
Article
Economics
Thang Nam Do, Paul J. Burke
Summary: Vietnam pledged at COP 26 to phase out unabated coal power by the 2040s or as soon as possible thereafter. This study investigated the drivers for Vietnam's decision, identified barriers to a successful phase out, and proposed potential strategies. The primary driver was the ambition to attract international support for green growth initiatives due to limited financing options for new coal power projects. Key barriers included concerns about electricity shortages and incomplete regulatory frameworks for clean power options. Recommended strategies involve reforming regulations, political prioritization, and building community and enterprise support. The findings are relevant to other developing countries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thang Nam Do, Paul J. Burke, Bin Lu
Summary: Sustainable and low-emission electricity generation options, including cross-border electricity trade, are necessary in the Greater Mekong Subregion. The combination of large-scale investments in solar and wind power, along with off-river pumped hydro energy storage, is seen as a promising way to achieve this. The presence of numerous potential off-river pumped hydro sites in the GMS offers opportunities for development. Actionable recommendations include the use of bilateral power purchase agreements and the potential establishment of a high-voltage direct current grid for cross-border supply of solar and wind power. Institutional prioritization and ongoing evaluation are essential to ensure the desired social, environmental, and economic outcomes from this transition.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Development Studies
Lin Zhu, Hua Liao, Paul J. Burke
Summary: Household air pollution from solid fuel use is common in developing countries, with young children being particularly vulnerable. However, little attention has been paid to the contribution of household fuel transitions to China's progress in reducing child mortality. This study examines the effect of reducing solid cooking fuel dependence on under-5 child mortality rate in China. The results show that a decrease in the proportion of households using solid fuels is associated with a significant reduction in child mortality, contributing to about 12% of the annual reduction and avoiding approximately 39,000 deaths in 2010. (c) 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Article
Economics
Rohan Best, Paul J. Burke
Summary: The use of solar photovoltaic panels in the non-residential sector can help combat climate change and promote economic growth. Previous studies have mainly focused on the residential sector. This study examines five research questions regarding non-residential solar panel adoption using data from 1595 postcodes in the Australian National Electricity Market. National and sectoral policies, business size, and cross-sectoral influences are identified as key drivers of non-residential solar PV uptake. The findings suggest that investment is stimulated by policies that reduce upfront capital costs, and a small-scale renewable portfolio standard, similar to Australia's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, should be considered for further adoption elsewhere.
ECONOMIC MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mara Hammerle, Paul J. Burke
Summary: This study examines the effects of heating and cooling upgrades in public housing in the Australian Capital Territory, specifically focusing on the increase in wellbeing among tenants due to access to indoor cooling in the summer. The findings show that households with energy-efficient air-conditioners experienced positive impacts on health and housing suitability, but had a slight increase in electricity bills. However, there was no significant impact on subjective reporting of energy bill stress.
ENERGY AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Naufal Rospriandana, Paul J. Burke, Amalia Suryani, M. Husni Mubarok, Miranda A. Pangestu
Summary: This paper explores the development of small hydropower projects in Indonesia and provides policy recommendations. The sector has a long history and consists of community-based rural electrification projects and commercial schemes under the independent power producer approach. However, there are challenges such as inconsistent regulations, financial constraints, advantages given to fossil fuels, and limited technical expertise.
ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Simon Rabaa, Robert Wilken, Sylvie Geisendorf
Summary: Energy efficiency measures are crucial for combating climate change, but rebound effects may undermine their effectiveness. This study finds that prior energy efficiency behavior does not hinder subsequent climate-friendly behavior, which is determined by individual demographics and environmental attitudes.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
James R. Meldrum, Patricia A. Champ, Hannah Brenkert-Smith, Christopher M. Barth, Abby E. McConnell, Carolyn Wagner, Colleen Donovan
Summary: This study reassessed a previous study using a richer dataset and found that individuals with lower incomes are less likely to participate in cost-sharing programs, and even if they do participate, they contribute a lower share. This indicates potential economic equity concerns.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Daniel Rueb
Summary: This paper examines the distributional effects of the European Commission's Fit-for-55 package at the household level in seven EU countries and finds that a household-size specific lump-sum refund can mitigate the negative distributional effects of a carbon tax and reduce overall inequality.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Correction
Ecology
Anke Jacksohn, Miguel Angel Tovar Reanos, Frank Pothen, Katrin Rehdanz
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Pierre Chiaverina, Sophie Drogue, Florence Jacquet
Summary: This study investigates the impact of farmers' participation in different short food supply chains (SFSCs) on synthetic pesticide use and crop yields. The findings show that farmers who sell part of their crops through direct-to-consumer channels use significantly fewer synthetic pesticides compared to those who sell through long food supply chains. However, there is no evidence that farmers involved in direct-to-retailer channels use significantly fewer synthetic pesticides. Additionally, there is no indication that SFSC participation affects crop yields.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Kangyin Dong, Yang Liu, Jianda Wang, Xiucheng Dong
Summary: This study uses the generalized method of moments (GMM) model to explore the relationship between the digital economy and energy vulnerability in 110 economies. The findings suggest that the digital economy effectively reduces energy vulnerability, with digital infrastructure and social impact being the main contributors. Furthermore, the digital economy helps upgrade the industrial structure and financial development level, thereby reducing energy vulnerability. Additionally, the negative impact of the digital economy on energy vulnerability is more significant in regions with higher income levels.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Romain Espinosa, Nicolas Treich
Summary: This study examines a simple model of consumption of animals with altruistic behavior towards animals. The model reveals a public good issue, where the market equilibrium leads to low quality and excessive quantity of animal lives when they are not worth living. The implications of the findings and the significance of the modeling choices for future economic research on animal welfare are discussed.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Arianna Buratto, Lorenzo Lotti
Summary: Finding ways to steer consumers towards vegetarian and plant-based meals is important for reducing the environmental impact of diets. In this study, we investigated the use of nudges in restaurants to increase sales of vegetarian and plant-based dishes. We found that removing symbols for these dishes increased sales, while adding a low emissions symbol had no effect. However, when the nudge was made transparent through a statement, sales significantly increased. These findings support the use of nudges as cost-effective interventions to address unsustainable food consumption in the hospitality sector.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Emmanuel Paroissien, Timothy K. M. Beatty, Antoine Nebout
Summary: This article provides empirical evidence that the opportunity cost of time explains the frequency of household food waste. The study found that proxies for the opportunity cost of time were positively correlated with the probability of reporting wasting food.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Jefim Vogel, Gauthier Guerin, Daniel W. O'Neill, Julia K. Steinberger
Summary: This study explores the vulnerability of livelihoods to a reduction in economic output and introduces a novel analytic framework to describe their relationship. The study finds that the vulnerability is not inevitable but arises from insecurity in wage labor, adequate incomes, and pensions. These conditions are primarily due to profit maximization and neoliberal welfare and labor policies. The study identifies a range of interventions to overcome this vulnerability and make stringent environmental policies socially sustainable and politically palatable.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Franziska Dorn, Simone Maxand, Thomas Kneib
Summary: Understanding the interconnected nature of rising carbon emissions and income inequality is crucial to achieve social and ecological sustainability. The distributional copula model used in this study uncovers complex interdependencies that standard linear regression techniques might hide.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Darius Corbier, Frederic Gonand
Summary: The article investigates the macroeconomic channels of transmission of the low-carbon transition in two official scenarios for the French power system under different oil price scenarios. The results show that technical progress and substitution mechanisms can drive the decarbonization of the economy and growth, with energy demand and durable goods demand being the main transmission channels.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Gloria Amaris, Stepan Vesely, Stephane Hess, Christian A. Klockner
Summary: The study of human behavior is crucial for the development of policies for sustainability. It is important to consider the possibility of spillover effects in mathematical models, as exposure to related choices can influence subsequent behavior. Our study demonstrates the existence of these spillover effects and showcases the effectiveness of discrete choice models.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Sonia Almeida Neves, Antonio Cardoso Marques, Leonardo Batista de sa Lopes
Summary: This paper investigates the impact of European Union regulations on e-waste exports. The findings suggest that taxation is ineffective in reducing e-waste exports and may even increase them. Additionally, high dependence on foreign raw materials and sub-standard waste collection systems contribute to the increase in e-waste exports. Therefore, investing in e-waste collection facilities can better utilize the valuable resources in this waste.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)
Article
Ecology
Gregor Semieniuk
Summary: Efforts to decouple economic growth from resource use and negative environmental impacts have yielded inconclusive results, partially due to the uncertainties in historical measurement arising from definitional changes to GDP. This study examines the impact of GDP vintages on decoupling results and finds that a significant number of countries switch between relative decoupling and recoupling, and that GDP vintages also affect environmental Kuznets curve results and the decline in global energy intensity. The inconsistencies in economic measurement introduce ambiguity into historical decoupling evidence and model projections into the future.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2024)