Global Challenges最新文献

{"title":"Trade-offs and Synergies between Economic and Environmental Cocoa Farm Management Decisions","authors":"Joseph Bandanaa,&nbsp;Isaac. K. Asante,&nbsp;Irene S. Egyir,&nbsp;Ted Y. Annang,&nbsp;Johan Blockeel,&nbsp;Anja Heidenreich,&nbsp;Irene Kadzere,&nbsp;Christian Schader","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400041","DOIUrl":"10.1002/gch2.202400041","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Optimizing sustainability among smallholder farms poses challenges due to inherent trade-offs. In the study of organic and conventional cocoa smallholder farming in Ghana, 398 farms are assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organsation of the United Nations (FAO) Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture systems (SAFA) Guidelines and Sustainability Monitoring and Assessment Routine (SMART)-Farm Tool. Organic farming exhibited synergies in environmental aspects (e.g., soil quality, energy efficiency) and between biodiversity conservation and risk management. Conventional farming showed potential vulnerabilities, including trade-offs with long-range investments (e.g., chemical inputs) and species diversity. Both systems demand tailored approaches for short-term economic and environmental sustainability, aligning with community-wide long-term goals. To mitigate trade-offs in conventional farming, smallholders should adopt practices like material reuse, recycling, and recovery within their operations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400041","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141584595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Photoelectrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation: Current Advances in Materials and Operando Characterization","authors":"Mohammed Ahmed Zabara,&nbsp;Burak Ölmez,&nbsp;Merve Buldu-Akturk,&nbsp;Begüm Yarar Kaplan,&nbsp;Ahmet Can Kırlıoğlu,&nbsp;Selmiye Alkan Gürsel,&nbsp;Mihrimah Ozkan,&nbsp;Cengiz Sinan Ozkan,&nbsp;Alp Yürüm","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400011","DOIUrl":"10.1002/gch2.202400011","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Photoelectrochemical (PEC) hydrogen generation is a promising technology for green hydrogen production yet faces difficulties in achieving stability and efficiency. The scientific community is pushing toward the development of new electrode materials and a better understanding of the underlying reactions and degradation mechanisms. Advances in photocatalytic materials are being pursued through the development of heterojunctions, tailored crystal nanostructures, doping, and modification of solid-solid and solid-electrolyte interfaces. <i>Operando</i> and in situ techniques are utilized to deconvolute the charge transfer mechanisms and degradation pathways. In this review, both materials development and <i>Operando</i> characterization are covered for advancing PEC technologies. The recent advances made in the PEC materials are first reviewed including the applied improvement strategies for transition metal oxides, nitrites, chalcogenides, Si, and group III-V semiconductor materials. The efficiency, stability, scalability, and electrical conductivity of the aforementioned materials along with the improvement strategies are compared. Next, the <i>Operando</i> characterization methods and cite selected studies applied for PEC electrodes are described. <i>Operando</i> studies are very successful in elucidating the reaction mechanisms, degradation pathways, and charge transfer phenomena in PEC electrodes. Finally, the standing challenges and the potential opportunities are discussed by providing recommendations for designing more efficient and electrochemically stable PEC electrodes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400011","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141549666","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Empowering Sustainability: Floating Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Agriculture for Reduced Costs Carbon Emissions and Evaporation","authors":"Mahnaz Gümrükçüoğlu Yiğit,&nbsp;Bevin Akçadağ","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202300321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202300321","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study assesses the impact of implementing a floating solar photovoltaic system (FSPV) on the Turgutlu irrigation pond in Sakarya, Turkey, aiming to reduce energy expenses in agricultural irrigation and promote sustainability in farming. Two scenarios are developed to evaluate the FSPV, focusing on CO₂ emissions mitigation, energy generation potential, evaporation reduction, conservation of terrestrial land, effects on agricultural production, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, and associated costs and return on investment (ROI). In the first scenario, the FSPV is expected to generate 7168 MWh of energy, preventing the emission of 4520 tons of carbon, and reducing annual evaporation by 6686 m³. In the second scenario, the FSPV's energy output is estimated at 99 MWh, preventing 64.2 tons of carbon emissions, and reducing annual evaporation by 94.4 m³. These findings provide valuable insights at the regional level, presenting a compelling case study for potential replication in other irrigated agricultural regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202300321","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141597064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Masthead: (Global Challenges 6/2024)","authors":"","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202470086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202470086","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202470086","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141304223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Updates on Hydrogen Value Chain: A Strategic Roadmap (Global Challenges 6/2024)","authors":"Julio Garcia-Navarro,&nbsp;Mark A. Isaacs,&nbsp;Marco Favaro,&nbsp;Dan Ren,&nbsp;Wee-Jun Ong,&nbsp;Michael Grätzel,&nbsp;Pablo Jiménez-Calvo","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202470085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202470085","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The cover image is based on the Review <i>Updates on Hydrogen Value Chain: A Strategic Roadmap</i> by Julio Garcia-Navarro et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202300073 Image Credit: Júlio Arvellos\u0000\u0000 <figure>\u0000 <div><picture>\u0000 <source></source></picture><p></p>\u0000 </div>\u0000 </figure></p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202470085","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141304164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alpha-Gal Syndrome: An Underrated Serious Disease and a Potential Future Challenge","authors":"Mengyuan Zhan,&nbsp;Jia Yin,&nbsp;Tengda Xu,&nbsp;Liping Wen","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202300331","DOIUrl":"10.1002/gch2.202300331","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Over the past decades, red meat allergy, also known as mammalian meat allergy, which manifests differently from classic food allergies, has been reported in different countries and regions, including China. The allergen of this disease is not a protein but an oligosaccharide: galactose-α-1,3-galactose, i.e., alpha-gal or α-gal. Therefore, this clinical syndrome is also called α-gal syndrome (AGS). It clinically manifests as delayed anaphylaxis, i.e., patients generally develop allergic symptoms 2–6 h after ingesting red meat. This clinical manifestation is believed to be related to sensitization to α-gal after tick bites. Sensitized individuals may also develop anaphylaxis after ingesting food and medicine or being exposed to medical equipment containing α-gal, such as cetuximab and gelatin. Here, the literature on AGS is reviewed for a better understanding of its pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202300331","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141270175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tailored Metal-Porphyrin Based Molecular Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Artificial Nitrogen Fixation to Green Ammonia","authors":"Giorgia Salerno,&nbsp;Ottavia Bettucci,&nbsp;Norberto Manfredi,&nbsp;Luca Stendardo,&nbsp;Eleonora Veronese,&nbsp;Pierangelo Metrangolo,&nbsp;Alessandro Abbotto","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202300345","DOIUrl":"10.1002/gch2.202300345","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Electrochemical nitrogen reduction (E-NRR) is one of the most promising approaches to generate green NH₃. However, scarce ammonia yields and Faradaic efficiencies (<i>FE</i>) still limit their use on a large scale. Thus, efforts are focusing on different E-NRR catalyst structures and formulations. Among present strategies, molecular electrocatalysts such as metal-porphyrins emerge as an encouraging option due to their planar structures which favor the interaction involving the metal center, responsible for adsorption and activation of nitrogen. Nevertheless, the high hydrophobicity of porphyrins limits the aqueous electrolyte–catalyst interaction lowering yields. This work introduces a new class of metal-porphyrin based catalysts, bearing hydrophilic tris(ethyleneglycol) monomethyl ether chains (metal = Cu(II) and CoII)). Experimental results show that the presence of hydrophilic chains significantly increases ammonia yields and <i>FE</i>, supporting the relevance of fruitful catalyst-electrolyte interactions. This study also investigates the use of hydrophobic branched alkyl chains for comparison, resulting in similar performances with respect to the unsubstituted metal-porphyrin, taken as a reference, further confirming that the appropriate design of electrocatalysts carrying peripheral hydrophilic substituents is able to improve device performances in the generation of green ammonia.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202300345","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141271622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding the Role of Controlled Environments for Producing Mycelium-bound Composites: Advancing Circular Practices for Integrating Biotechnology into the Construction Industry","authors":"Tiziano Derme,&nbsp;Francis W. M. R. Schwarze,&nbsp;Benjamin Dillenburger","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202300197","DOIUrl":"10.1002/gch2.202300197","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The architecture, engineering, and construction industry is undergoing a significant shift, steering buildings away from resource-intensive processes toward becoming instruments for climate mitigation. In this transformative landscape, integrating circular bio-based alternatives and reducing emissions through biotechnological and enzymatic processes have significant potential. Specifically, mycelium-bound composites have emerged as renewable alternatives for new materials and added-value wood products. Despite their numerous advantages, integrating these materials into current engineering practices presents challenges deriving from the complex nature of the material´s production process and the transfer from the laboratory to the industrial scale. In this regard, the design and engineering of novel controlled environments are fundamental in maintaining optimal growth conditions during material production. This, in turn, influences the overall material performance and potential use in construction.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202300197","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141197824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toward Renewable Solar Energy Systems: Advances in Photocatalytic Green Hydrogen Production","authors":"Pablo Jiménez-Calvo,&nbsp;Oleksandr Savateev,&nbsp;Katherine Villa,&nbsp;Mario J. Muñoz-Batista,&nbsp;Kazunari Domen","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400122","DOIUrl":"10.1002/gch2.202400122","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;Green hydrogen (H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) production is relevant to sustainable energy systems due to its potential to decarbonize various sectors and mitigate climate change. Our inspiration draws from nature.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In fact, plant life has been inspiring human innovation for centuries. Plants’ ability to convert solar energy into chemical energy, as well as their autonomous smart functioning, are key reasons for this inspiration. Natural photosynthesis remains the core focus in our quest to understand its mechanisms and apply its principles to artificial systems.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Artificial photosynthesis plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges related to energy sustainability and environmental conservation. By mimicking natural photosynthesis, it offers a promising avenue for renewable energy generation, notably through H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; fuel production from water splitting. This technology provides clean energy and turns carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. Moreover, it can transform agriculture by enabling simpler production of fertilizers and other compounds of interest. Thus, the development of more efficient artificial photosynthetic systems has the potential to help achieving carbon-neutrality.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This special issue (SI) entitled “&lt;i&gt;Toward Renewable Solar Energy Systems: Advances in Photocatalytic Green Hydrogen Production&lt;/i&gt;” was guest edited by Pablo Jiménez Calvo, Oleksandr Savateev, Katherine Villa, Mario J. Muñoz-Batista, and Kazunari Domen. The aim and scope of this SI are to offer an updated overview of recent advances in various aspects of H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; technology: materials, devices, and technological innovations, thereby advancing toward the goal of a circular economy based on sustainable energy systems. The contributions comprise a diverse range of research, reviews, and perspective articles, centered in the green H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; production theme.&lt;sup&gt;[&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;1&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;sup&gt;]&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This SI aims to address several key objectives in the field of H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; production employing different technologies driven by artificial solar-light as an energy source. First, it focuses on the development and design of innovative materials and systems geared toward enhancing the efficiency of H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; generation through mainly photocatalysis, in lesser extent through photoelectrocatalysis and photoreforming. Second, some studies delve into the complexities surrounding the scaling up of photocatalytic H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; production, examining both the challenges and opportunities in transitioning from laboratory to pilot devices. Third, the reviews scrutinize the value chain and direct photocatalytic conversion of green H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; into high added-value chemicals, as a solar to chemical strategy to diversify the utilization of H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The contributions offer diverse viewpoints from researchers across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, who are estab","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2024-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400122","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141198050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemical Textures on Rare Earth Carbonates: An Experimental Approach to Mimic the Formation of Bastnäsite","authors":"Melanie Maddin,&nbsp;Remi Rateau,&nbsp;Adrienn Maria Szucs,&nbsp;Luca Terribili,&nbsp;Brendan Hoare,&nbsp;Paul C. Guyett,&nbsp;Juan Diego Rodriguez-Blanco","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400074","DOIUrl":"10.1002/gch2.202400074","url":null,"abstract":"<p>The interaction between multi-component rare earth element (REE) aqueous solutions and carbonate grains (dolomite, aragonite, and calcite) are studied at hydrothermal conditions (21–210 °C). The effect of ionic radii of five REEs (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy) on solid formation are analyzed using two solution types: equal REE concentrations and concentrations normalized to Post Archean Australian Shale Standard (PAAS). The interaction replaces the host Ca–Mg carbonate grains with a series of REE minerals (lanthanite → kozoite → bastnäsite → cerianite). At 165 °C, equal concentration solutions promote kozoite crystallization, maintaining similar REE ratios in solids and solution. PAAS solutions result in zoned REE-bearing crystals with heterogeneous elemental distributions and discreet REE phases (e.g., cerianite). Chemical signatures indicate metastable REE-bearing phases transforming into more stable polymorphs, along with symplectite textures formed by adjacent phase reactions. Overall, experiments highlight the dependence of polymorph selection, crystallization pathway, mineral formation kinetics, and chemical texture on REE concentrations, ionic radii, temperature, time, and host grain solubility.</p>","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"8 7","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400074","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141059196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}