Air quality and health benefits of achieving carbon-neutrality in building sector over Beijing, China.

To meet the goal of the Paris Agreement, China pledges to realize the "Dual Carbon" targets by 2060. As the capital of China, Beijing plays a leading role in becoming zero-emission or carbon neutral in the future. We project the pollutants emissions of building sector based on current strict clean air policies (PO scenario) and China's carbon neutrality target by 2060 (CN scenario) from 2019 to 2050. Results show that PM2.5 concentration will increase by 2.62 µg/m3 under PO scenario; under the CN scenario, ozone concentration will increase by 2.53 µg/m3 but PM2.5 concentration will reduce by 9.04 µg/m3. It is projected that China carbon neutrality goals could avoid 11.12% of PM2.5-related health burden; With strict clean air policies, health burdens of ozone (3.9%) and PM2.5 (4.1%) could be avoided, respectively. This study highlights the importance of achieving co-benefits of air quality and public health.

Direct Electrolysis of Municipal Reclaimed Water for Efficient Hydrogen Production Using a Bifunctional Non-Noble-Metal Catalyst.

Water electrolysis for green H2 production traditionally requires a stable supply of renewable electricity and pure water. However, spatial separation of renewables and water resources as well as water scarcity per capita in China necessitate unconventional water resources for electrolysis. Reclaimed water produced from municipal wastewater treatment plants is widely distributed with quality improved significantly in recent years, which may be a promising alternative to feedstock. However, there are few reports on the direct use of this wastewater for H2 production. Here, we present a direct electrolysis of reclaimed water for decentralized H2 production by developing a highly efficient and stable bifunctional 3D-dandelion-like (DL) vanadium(V)-doped CoP catalyst grown in situ on Ni foam (NF) in an alkaline electrolyzer. The V-CoP-DL/NF electrode decreases 6.5 and 25% overpotentials of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), respectively, compared to noble-metal Pt (HER) and IrO2 (OER) catalysts, and exhibits exceptional durability, as a voltage required for overall reclaimed water splitting only increases by 80 mV (1.81-1.89 V) after 90 days of operation at a current density of 10 mA cm-2. The maximum stable current can reach 1000 mA cm-2. The impacts of potential pollutants in reclaimed water on the performance of electrolysis and the behavior of major wastewater ions in alkaline electrolyte were investigated. The observed exceptional performance is attributed to the catalyst's unique nanostructure, which enhances charge transfer and reactant/electrolyte diffusion. The in situ growth strategy further enhances the conductivity and stability of the catalyst. This work underscores the feasibility of utilizing reclaimed water instead of pure water as the feedstock for sustainable hydrogen production.

Evaluating energy balance and environmental footprint of sludge management in BRICS countries.

Climate change is driving global endeavours to achieve carbon neutrality and renewable energy expansion. Sludge, a nutrient-rich waste, holds energy potential yet poses environmental challenges that need proper management. We conducted a comprehensive life cycle assessment to evaluate the energy balance and environmental footprint of the most commonly used sludge management scenarios in BRICS countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Technologies such as incineration and anaerobic digestion with energy recovery units (i.e., cogeneration unit) maximize energy balance and minimize the environmental footprint, with incineration showing a superior performance. Shifting sludge management scenarios from the worst to the best can boost energy production by 1.4-98.4 times and cut the environmental footprint by 1.5-21.4 times. In 2050, these improvements could lead to a 98-fold boost in energy generation and a 25-fold drop in carbon emissions, according to the Announced Pledges Scenarios. Optimizing parameters such as volatile solids and anaerobic digestion efficiency further boosts energy output and minimizes the environmental footprint. This study offers robust evidence to support sustainable sludge management and thus promote energy recovery and carbon neutrality goals, guide technological transitions, and inform policymaking for sustainable development.

Forecasting carbon dioxide emissions in Chongming: a novel hybrid forecasting model coupling gray correlation analysis and deep learning method.

Predicting regional carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is essential for advancing toward global carbon neutrality. This study introduces a novel CO2 emissions prediction model tailored to the unique environmental, economic, and energy consumption of Shanghai Chongming. Utilizing an innovative hybrid approach, the study first applies grey relational analysis to evaluate the influence of economic activity, natural conditions, and energy consumption on CO2 emissions. This is followed by the implementation of a dual-channel pooled convolutional neural network (DCNN) that captures both local and global features of the data, enhanced through feature stacking. Gated recurrent unit (GRU) network then assesses the temporal aspects of these features, culminating in precise CO2 emission predictions for the region. The results indicate: (1) The proposed hybrid model achieves accurate predictions based on accounting data, with high precision, low error, and good stability. (2) The study found an overall increase in Chongming's carbon emissions from 2000 to 2022, with the prediction results being generally consistent with existing research findings. (3) The proposed method, based on Chongming's CO2 emission predictions, addresses issues such as the scarcity of effective accounting data and inaccuracies in traditional calculation methods. The results can provide effective technical support for local government policies on carbon reduction and promote sustainable development.

AI-based green technology implementation simulation for achieving carbon neutrality: exploring the role of subsidies and knowledge management.

This study investigates the role of green technology implementation (GTI) based on artificial intelligence (AI) at the household level to achieve carbon neutrality by addressing gaps in the existing research. The research focuses on understanding how education on green consumption preferences, green invention and emission impacts can optimally influence AI-based GTI decisions. Through behavioural analysis at the household level, this study quantifies the effects of education and preferences on emissions and proposes subsidies as accelerators for carbon-neutral transitions. Furthermore, the study employs regression analysis and simulation-based optimisation, which are then validated against prior methodologies, with a focus on Punjab, Pakistan. Utilising a simple random sampling technique, approximately 1000 households were surveyed to represent the province's diverse demographics comprehensively. Findings reveal that higher education levels correlate with less enthusiasm for AI-based GTI. Simulations measured optimal subsidy levels by striking a balance between encouraging green behaviour and technological adoption. By integrating diverse factors and AI-based GTI optimisation, this study defines important thresholds for education and subsidies, thus highlighting their pivotal role in advancing AI-based green technologies and sustainable household practices. This research significantly enhances the understanding of the complex relationship between AI-based GTI decisions and educational influences, thereby contributing to the advancement of environmental sustainability.

Driving low-carbon mechanisms through smart investments in renewable resources and green finance initiatives among G20 nations.

In light of the escalating concerns regarding climate change and environmental decline, major nations are actively exploring strategies to mitigate environmental harm and achieve future sustainability. The surge in economic expansion in developed economies is linked to an increase in CO2 emissions. Consequently, in their pursuit of carbon-neutral policies, these countries are increasingly turning towards renewable energy as a means to enhance resource conservation and efficiency. This research investigates the varied impacts of renewable energy investment, green finance, geopolitical risk, GDP growth, foreign direct investment, and gross fixed capital formation on the carbon emissions of G20 countries. The study uses the CUP-FM (Continuously Updated Fully Modified) and CUP-BC (Continuously Updated Bias-Corrected) estimators, which are sophisticated econometric approaches designed to handle non-stationary panel data and cross-sectional dependency, to produce robust long-term parameter estimates. The CUP-FM estimator adjusts for potential endogeneity and serial correlation, improving the accuracy of long-run relationships in panel data. The CUP-BC estimator provides bias-corrected estimates to further enhance the precision of these long-run connections.The long-term parameter estimates reveal a negative correlation between renewable energy investment, green finance, and carbon emissions. In contrast, foreign direct investment, gross fixed capital formation, GDP growth, and geopolitical risk are positively associated with CO2 emissions. This suggests that financial stability often leads to investments in carbon-heavy economic ventures, thereby implicating economic growth as a contributing factor to environmental degradation in G20 countries.

Re-identifying farmland carbon neutrality gap under a new carbon counting and the framework of regional interactions in China.

The farmland ecosystem, with its numerous material cycles and energy flows, is an important part of the carbon cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. Focusing on the carbon neutrality of farmland is meaningful for mitigating global warming and serving national low-carbon strategies. This study enriches the carbon accounting items of farmland and establishes a new research framework to check the carbon neutrality of farmland from the aspect of regional interactions and, subsequently, the inequality among China's provinces. The results revealed that there is still a great gap in the capability of China's farmland to reach carbon neutrality, with a gap value of up to 10,503 × 104 t C. All of the provinces presented net carbon emissions, and the per unit area carbon neutrality gaps showed spatial regularity decreasing from the coastal regions to the inland areas. Anthropogenic carbon emissions on farmland played a dominant role compared with soil organic carbon. Five provinces had reduced interior-regional carbon emissions through grain trade, and the amounts were especially high for developed regions, such as Guangdong, Zhejiang, Beijing, Shanghai and Jiangsu. Sixteen provinces gained external carbon emissions through trade; these were the less developed regions located mainly in the north, such as Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Jilin, Heilongjiang and Xinjiang. Under regional inequality, 15 provinces added to the net amount of the carbon emissions generated in external regions, with China's megacities adding the highest percentage, especially Beijing, with 389.95 % compared with its original emissions. Inequality showed that most provinces had a moderate status. Sichuan and Hunan experienced weak advantages, and six provinces had disadvantages. Therefore, constructing compensation and trade-based rights and responsibilities traceability mechanisms is important.

Impacts of government social media on public engagement in low-carbon practices focusing on Japan.

This study investigates the role of Government Social Media (GSM) in enhancing public engagement with Low-Carbon Practices (LCP) in Japan. Motivated by the need to foster sustainable development and mitigate climate change impacts, this research utilizes negative binomial regression model analyzing 1022 posts from nine Japanese government social media accounts. Our findings reveal that increased media richness negatively correlates with engagement, suggesting that content depth over visual appeal is more effective for LCP-related communication. Surprisingly, the dialogic loop reduces engagement, indicating complex public reactions to governmental initiatives. Content themes related to governmental actions and LCP information significantly enhance engagement, while emotional valence shows minimal impact. The study introduces 'social media capital' as a moderating factor, which mitigates the negative effects of dialogic loops and media richness on engagement, and influences the impact of content themes. These insights provide a foundation for future research and guide the development of effective public engagement strategies in environmental policy. The study highlights the need for nuanced GSM strategies that prioritize information quality and relevance to increase public participation in low-carbon initiatives.

Data from a survey of coffee cultivation in lowland and highland areas to support agriculture during climate change.

This survey aimed to acquire and generate significant information on coffee cultivation in high and low elevations to support agriculture during climate change. This survey dataset helps understand coffee cultivation in highland and lowland areas with diverse climates and environmental conditions for coffee researchers to use this data to improve cultivation and production techniques. In the business scope, this dataset provides a critical vision on the value proposition of the coffee business to maintain conservation and wealth creation of the coffee chain. Similarly, coffee chains can use this data as an example to assess sustainability and carbon literacy. The structured interviews and field trips were conducted at coffee plantations in southern and northern Thailand. The transcript results were manually coded for thematic analysis. This dataset offers insights into anthropogenic plant migration and plant distribution for researchers and academics to use as a valuable resource and good reference in agricultural and biodiversity research. Today, agriculture faces many challenges, such as climate change, water shortage, and improper land management. This information on coffee cultivation at high and low altitudes may help others grow crops in ever-changing climates.

Role of green finance, green bonds, public private partnership, and technology innovation in carbon neutrality and sustainable development.

In recent years, global attention has increasingly turned towards the urgent goal of eliminating carbon emissions. Evaluating new methods may be the key to achieving environmentally responsible growth. This study examines the impact of China's public-private energy partnerships on CO2 emissions from 1990Q1 to 2022Q4, employing Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and fuzzy multi-objective least squares (FMOLS) econometric regression methods. Our analysis incorporates sustainability efforts, renewable energy sources, environmentally sound finance, and technological advancements to provide a comprehensive understanding of CO2 emissions dynamics. Our findings reveal that expanding access to credit has facilitated the development of green financing, resulting in a favorable environmental impact of China's economic growth and public-private partnerships. The reduction in carbon dioxide emissions is counter balanced by the positive effects of technological progress, increased utilization of renewable energy sources, and enhanced power efficiency. We highlight the multiplying effect of these factors, underscoring the need for global public-private collaborations in the energy sector to significantly lower carbon emissions and to achieve sustainable development goals. We assert that policymakers tasked with facilitating China's transition to renewable energy sources must prioritize environmental preservation, technological advancement, and the optimal utilization of renewable resources to achieve lasting sustainability.

Exploring the impact of renewable energy, green taxes and trade openness on carbon neutrality: New insights from BRICS countries.

The world faces two significant challenges: promoting sustainable economic growth and reaching carbon neutrality. In BRICS countries, these challenges are shaped by renewable energy, green taxes, and trade openness. These countries were selected for their strategic location and the abundance of relevant data collected over the period of 1990-2021, providing a distinctive window into the energy and economic dynamics of the area. The link between renewable energy consumption, green taxes, trade openness, and natural resources and their effects on carbon emissions in BRICS countries is examined in this study using the Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square Method (FMOLS) estimator and the Drisc Kraay estimator for the robustness test. The findings indicate that using renewable energy and green taxes primarily contribute to reducing emissions, particularly at higher emissions levels. The study reveals that various factors, namely financial globalization, trade openness, efficient resource management, and population growth, substantially impact carbon neutrality. Population growth positively impacts carbon neutrality, while using renewable energy sources mitigates it. Furthermore, the empirical findings show a statistically significant positive association between financial globalization, efficient resource management, and carbon neutrality in BRICS nations. Therefore, it is necessary to implement an integrated ecological governance strategy to control and direct financial resources towards sustainable development and green energy.

[Identification of Priority Areas for Carbon Compensation in Chongqing Based on the Difference in Land Use Carbon Budget].

This study aimed to explore the spatiotemporal patterns and balance characteristics of land use carbon budget, measure the value of carbon compensation, and delineate carbon compensation type zoning to provide scientific reference for further strengthening the connection between the construction of an ecological compensation system and the "dual carbon" target task. Based on the land cover data of Chongqing from 2000 to 2020, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics and balance relationship characteristics of the land use carbon budget. By using the revised carbon compensation model to measure the horizontal compensation standards, the normalized revealed comparative advantage （NRCA） index and K-means clustering analysis method were used to divide the carbon compensation area. The research results demonstrated that： ① the total land use carbon sequestration in Chongqing grew slowly from 2000 to 2020, whereas carbon emissions continued to increase significantly, and the net carbon emissions showed a distribution pattern of "high in the center and low in the two wings." ② The average coefficient of variation in Chongqing was 0.602, and the carbon emission economy contributive coefficient and carbon ecological support coefficient were concentrated between 0.64-1.14 and 0.00-32.86, respectively. The difference in the contribution of carbon emissions and economic benefits between districts and counties was relatively small, but there was a mismatch between carbon supply and demand. ③ A significant spatial difference existed in the value of carbon compensation, with a total of 1.098 billion yuan in carbon payment and 634 million yuan in carbon compensation, respectively. Moreover, it was ultimately determined that there were eight key payment areas, seven general payment areas, three key compensation areas, and 20 general compensation areas. In conclusion, the research results can provide a reference for implementing differentiated development strategies in different types of carbon compensation regions, improve the collaborative governance capacity of the regional ecological environment, and promote the achievement of carbon neutrality goals.

G20 roadmap for carbon neutrality: The role of Paris agreement, artificial intelligence, and energy transition in changing geopolitical landscape.

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in the 21st century is driving profound societal changes and playing a crucial role in optimizing energy systems to achieve carbon neutrality. Most G20 nations have developed national AI strategies and are advancing AI applications in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture sectors to meet this goal. However, disparities exist among these nations, creating an "AI divide" that needs to be addressed for regulatory consistency and fair distribution of AI benefits. Here, we look at the linear effects of AI and the Paris Agreement (AI), as well as their potential interaction on carbon neutrality. We also investigate whether geopolitical risk (GPR) can hinder or enhance efforts to attain carbon neutrality through energy transition (ET). To measure carbon neutrality of G20 countries, we employed a robust parametric Malmquist index combined with the fixed-effect panel stochastic frontier model to account for heterogeneity. Results indicate that from 1990 to 2022, carbon neutrality has improved primarily due to technological advancements. Developed G20 countries led in technological progress, while developing countries showed modest gains in carbon efficiency. Using the Driscoll-Kraay robust standard error method, we found that AI has a positive but insignificant linear effect on carbon neutrality. However, the interaction between PA and AI was positive and statistically significant, suggesting that PA augments AI's potential in accelerating carbon neutrality. Energy transition accelerates carbon neutrality in both developed and developing G20 countries. However, the role of energy transition in achieving carbon neutrality becomes negative when the interaction term between energy transition and geopolitical risk (ET × GRP) is incorporated. Regarding control variables, green innovation positively impacts carbon neutrality, whereas financial development has an insignificant effect. Industrial structure and foreign direct investment both negatively affect carbon neutrality, thereby supporting the pollution haven hypothesis. It is recommended that strategies to bridge the "AI divide" and uphold geopolitical stability are crucial to achieve carbon neutrality.

Carbon capture in power sector of China towards carbon neutrality and its comparison to renewable power.

CO2 capture from coal power plants is an important and necessary solution to realizing carbon neutrality in China, but CCS demonstration deployment in power sector is far behind expectations. Hence, the reduction potential of energy consumption and cost for CCS and its competitiveness to renewable powers are very important to make roadmaps and policies toward carbon neutrality. Unlike the popular recognition that capturing CO2 from flue gases is technically and commercially mature, this paper notes that it has been proved to be technically feasible but far beyond technology maturity and high energy penalty leads to its immaturity and therefore causes high cost. Additionally, the potential energy penalty reduction of capture is investigated thermodynamically, and future CO2 avoidance cost is predicted and compared to renewable power (solar PV and onshore wind power). Results show that energy penalty for CO2 capture can be reduced by 48%-57%. When installation capacity reaches a similar scale to that of solar PV in China (250 GW), CO2 capture cost in coal power plants can be reduced from the current 28-40 US$/ton to 10-20 US$/ton, and efficiency upgrade contributes to 67%-75% in cost reduction for high coal price conditions. In China, CO2 capture in coal power plants can be cost competitive with solar PV and onshore wind power. But it is worth noting that the importance and share of CCS role in CO2 emission reduction is decreasing since renewable power is already well deployed and there is still a lack of large-scale CO2 capture demonstrations in China. Innovative capture technologies with low energy penalties need to be developed to promote CCS. Results in this work can provide informative references for making roadmaps and policies regarding CO2 emission reductions that contribute towards carbon neutrality.

Exploring the intersection between sustainable finance and achieving carbon neutrality in the transportation sector.

In the context of China's transportation sector, which has faced escalating challenges in carbon emissions, this study delves into the intricate nexus between sustainable finance strategies and the imperative of achieving carbon neutrality. Spanning the years 2010-2022 across 30 provinces of China and employing a rigorous Panel Model methodology, our research sets out to achieve several pivotal objectives. These include assessing the tangible impact of sustainable finance initiatives on curtailing carbon emissions within the transportation domain, discerning the pivotal drivers that influence the trajectory of carbon neutrality endeavors, and critically evaluating the efficacy of policy interventions aimed at fostering sustainability. Our findings unearth a compelling narrative. Firstly, we observe a discernible positive correlation between the implementation of sustainable finance mechanisms-such as green bonds, sustainable investment portfolios, and innovative financial instruments-and the tangible reduction of carbon emissions within the transportation sector. Secondly, our analysis underscores the indispensable role of key drivers, ranging from technological advancements and regulatory frameworks to evolving consumer behavior and public consciousness, in steering the course towards carbon neutrality. Thirdly, our research underscores the pivotal impact of targeted policy interventions, emphasizing the efficacy of measures aimed at incentivizing sustainable practices, fostering stakeholder collaborations, and bolstering industry-wide accountability frameworks. In light of these insights, our study advocates for a nuanced policy landscape characterized by a multifaceted approach. By aligning financial incentives with sustainability goals, fostering technological innovation, and fostering robust regulatory frameworks, policymakers can catalyze a paradigm shift towards carbon neutrality in the transportation sector.

Insights into carbon-neutral treatment of rural wastewater by constructed wetlands: A review of current development and future direction.

In recent years, with the global rise in awareness regarding carbon neutrality, the treatment of wastewater in rural areas is increasingly oriented towards energy conservation, emission reduction, low-carbon output, and resource utilization. This paper provides an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of the current low-carbon treatment process of low-carbon treatment for rural wastewater. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are increasingly being considered as a viable option for treating wastewater in rural regions. In pursuit of carbon neutrality, advanced carbon-neutral bioprocesses are regarded as the prospective trajectory for achieving carbon-neutral treatment of rural wastewater. The incorporation of CWs with emerging biotechnologies such as sulfur-based autotrophic denitrification (SAD), pyrite-based autotrophic denitrification (PAD), and anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) enables efficient removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from rural wastewater. The advancement of CWs towards improved removal of organic and inorganic pollutants, sustainability, minimal energy consumption, and low carbon emissions is widely recognized as a viable low-carbon approach for achieving carbon-neutral treatment of rural wastewater. This study offers novel perspectives on the sustainable development of wastewater treatment in rural areas within the framework of achieving carbon neutrality in the future.

[Analysis of the Synergistic Effects of Energy Consumption Permit Trading Scheme on Pollution Reduction and Carbon Abatement].

Under the "dual-carbon" strategic goals, it is urgent to examine whether the energy consumption permit trading scheme （ECPTS）, as an innovative system in China's market-oriented reform of the energy sector, can promote the synergistic enhancement of pollution reduction and carbon abatement. Based on provincial panel data of China from 2008 to 2019, this study adopted a difference-in-differences model to examine the impacts of the ECPTS on the synergistic enhancement of pollution reduction and carbon abatement. The results demonstrated that the ECPTS improved the level of pollution reduction and carbon abatement in pilot areas. Specifically, the ECPTS led to a reduction of 13.3% in CO2 emissions and 3.1% in PM2.5 concentration in the pilot areas and resulted in an overall improvement of pollution reduction and carbon abatement by 0.237 units. Mechanism analysis revealed that energy efficiency served as a pathway through which the ECPTS empowered the synergistic enhancement of pollution reduction and carbon abatement. Moreover, the strengthening of local government environmental protection goals enhanced the pollution reduction and carbon abatement effects of the ECPTS. Surprisingly, the effectiveness of the ECPTS was not undermined by the goal of economic growth. This study provides new empirical evidence for understanding the relationship between market-based environmental regulation and collaborative governance and provides strong support for China to achieve its "dual-carbon" strategic goals.

Nature-based solutions: Assessing the carbon sink potential and influencing factors of urban park plant communities in the temperate monsoon climate zone.

As nature-based solutions, urban park plant communities play a pivotal role in regulating urban carbon cycles, alleviating global climate change, and fostering sustainable urban development. However, the factors influencing the carbon sink efficiency of plant communities in urban parks within temperate monsoon climate zones have not been fully investigated. This study used multivariate heterogeneous data to evaluate plant communities' carbon storage (CS) and annual carbon sequestration (ACS) in 25 urban parks across different biotope types in Jinan, a city located in China's temperate monsoon climate zone. The driving mechanisms affecting carbon sink efficacy were revealed using Spearman correlation, regression, principal component analyses, and structural equation modeling. Results demonstrated that: 1) Closed broadleaf multi-layer green space has significant carbon sink potential compared to other vegetation structures. 2) The carbon sink efficiency of the plant communities negatively correlated with the sky view factor and planting layout density. Three-dimensional green quantity (3DGQ), the ratio of trees and shrubs, species richness, and vertical structures positively correlated with plant communities' carbon storage and sequestration. 3) Whether increasing 3DGQ, the ratio of trees and shrubs, or the total number of individuals of all species, there is a certain threshold bottleneck in enhancing the carbon sink benefits of plant communities. 4) Plant community structure, species composition, and species diversity influenced carbon sink efficiency, collectively forming the first principal component. The 3DGQ affected carbon sink efficiency as the second principal component. Synergistic effects existed among these driving factors, jointly explained 64.3 % and 90.1 % of the CS and ACS of plant communities, respectively. Optimization design strategies for different plant communities in urban parks were proposed.

Impact of carbon neutralization policy on the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard.

The Chinese government has introduced a carbon neutral policy to cope with the rapid changes in the global climate. It is not clear what impact this policy will have on wildlife. Therefore, this study analyzed the suitable habitat distribution of China's unique leopard subspecies in northern Shaanxi, and simulated the potential suitable habitat distribution under different carbon emission scenarios at two time points of future carbon peak and carbon neutralization. We found that in the future SSPs 126 scenario, the suitable habitat area and the number of suitable habitat patches of North China leopard will continue to increase. With the increase of carbon emissions, it is expected that the suitable habitat of North China leopard will continue to be fragmented and shifted. When the annual average temperature is lower than 8 °C, the precipitation seasonality is 80-90 mm and the precipitation of the warmest quarter is greater than 260 mm, the probability of occurrence of North China leopard is higher. The increase in carbon emissions will lead to the reduction, migration, and fragmentation of the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard. Carbon neutrality policies can protect suitable wild habitats. In the future, the impact of carbon neutrality policies on future wildlife habitat protection should be carried out in depth to effectively promote the construction of wildlife protection projects.

Motivation and guidance of college students' low-carbon behavior: evidence from Chinese colleges and universities.

In the context of the global implementation of the emission peak and carbon-neutral strategic goal, guiding residents' low-carbon behavior is of great significance for the realization of the dual carbon goal. However, existing studies have paid less attention to the low-carbon behavior of college students. Based on the theory of planned behavior, this paper constructs a theoretical model of influencing factors of college students' low-carbon behavior. Combined with 612 questionnaires from Chinese colleges and universities, this study uses a structural equation model and multi-group analysis method to explore the motivation of college students' low-carbon behavior and guiding education strategies. The results show that low-carbon attitude, subjective norms, low-carbon values, and perceived behavior control have significant positive effects on low low-carbon behavior intention of college students, and influence their low-carbon behavior through low-carbon behavior intention. Further research found that gender and growth environment (urban vs. rural) presented heterogeneity in different influence paths, and the perceived cost had a significant negative moderating effect during the transition from low-carbon intention to low-carbon behavior. These research findings provide a theoretical basis and policy inspiration for explaining and guiding the low-carbon behavior of college students.