Toward a Carbon-Neutral State: A Carbon–Energy–Water Nexus Perspective of China’s Coal Power Industry

Unraveling the environmental Kuznets curve: interplay between [Formula: see text] emissions, economic development, and energy consumption

The study investigates the complex interplay among [Formula: see text] emissions, energy consumption, and economic growth in China, employing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework to analyze the dynamics from 1990 to 2022. The research contributes to the urgent need for sustainable development by filling important gaps in comprehending China's specific challenges and potential and considering the relationship between economic advancement and environmental quality. This study utilizes advanced econometric tools, including the AutoRegressive Distributed Lag model, Vector Error Correction Model, and AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average, to comprehensively examine the complicated relationship between variables, considering both short-run and long-run dynamics. The study supports the EKC concept, suggesting that targeted measures can reduce environmental degradation as China's economy advances. Strategic policy recommendations include emission reduction targets, investments in green technologies, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns. Furthermore, transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy aligns with global climate objectives. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the interconnected nature of energy consumption, [Formula: see text] emissions, and economic growth in shaping China's sustainable future.

Initial exploration on potential fire hazards detection from coal spontaneous combustion applied by acoustic wave

Coal spontaneous combustion often wastes resources and causes environmental pollution. Rapid and accurate identification of high temperature areas in coal is essential to reducing such combustion and environmental pollution. The acoustic thermometry method has the benefits of large temperature measurement space, non-contact, and high interference resistance. Determining the attenuation characteristics of acoustic waves in loose coal is the basis and premise for realizing acoustic temperature measurement. Four types of bituminous coal were scanned by computer tomography equipment. A self-designed acoustic attenuation test device was used to test coal samples under different temperatures and particle sizes. The study result demonstrates that the distribution characteristics of loose coal voids are mainly related to the particle size. The smaller the particle size range, the more uniform the void distribution. As the size of the coal particles increases, the voids become larger. The acoustic attenuation coefficients of four coal samples showed an increasing trend as frequency increased. The influence of coal particle size distribution on the acoustic attenuation coefficient was greater than that of temperature and metamorphic degree. The peak values of coal sound attenuation for different particle sizes were around 400, 700, 1100, and 1600 Hz. This indicated that the distribution of voids was the main factor affecting the propagation of acoustic waves. By analysing the attenuation mechanism of the acoustic wave in loose coal, the attenuation of acoustic temperature measurement signal was caused by the combined effect of loose coal on acoustic wave absorption and scattering. The study results provide theoretical support for the realization of acoustic wave detection of high temperature point in loose coal spontaneous combustion.

Blue carbon governance for carbon neutrality in China: Policy evaluation and perspectives

As a nature-based solution for climate change mitigation, blue carbon has been highlighted for realizing carbon neutrality in China. China's central and local governments have issued many policies to promote blue carbon protection and development. However, scaling up blue carbon restoration and protection is required for its substantial contribution to carbon neutrality. This study evaluates the characteristics of China's blue carbon policies using qualitative document analysis based on policy instrument theory. The distribution of different policy instruments among blue carbon policies and resources is analyzed. Suggestions for improving blue carbon policy supply are put forward combined with comparative experience from international organizations and other jurisdictions. The following policies should be strengthened to secure efficient blue carbon protection, restoration, and creation: blue carbon protection legislation, marine ecological compensation system, stable investment in blue carbon projects, integrated blue carbon verification system, and inclusion of blue carbon in regulated carbon markets.