• Energy Research
• 2025-2025close
• Open Access close
• Embargo close
• ETH Zurich close

The European Union's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, outlined in the European Green Deal, is supported by numerous studies providing insights into pathways and emission reduction strategies in the energy sectors. However, model comparisons of such pathways are less common due to the complex nature of climate and energy modelling. Our study brings together integrated assessment models and energy system models under a common framework to develop EU policy scenarios: a Current Trends scenario reflecting existing policies and trends and a Climate Neutrality scenario aligned with the EU's emission reduction target. Both scenarios project reduced final energy consumption by 2050, driven by increased electrification and decreased fossil fuel usage. Electricity consumption increases driven by electrification despite the improved efficiency of electrified technologies. Models align on a shift toward renewables but diverge in technology and fuel choices, reflecting various approaches to reach net-zero energy systems. Furthermore, trade-offs between energy demand and supply mitigation strategies, as well as between renewable energy, e-fuels, and CCS technologies are identified. Considering these model variations, our study highlights the importance of consistent model comparison to offer reliable recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders. We conclude that model diversity is a valuable asset when used sensibly. ISSN:0360-5442 ISSN:1873-6785 Energy, 319

Algal Research 88, 104015 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.algal.2025.104015 Published by Elsevier, Amsterdam [u.a.]

Although life cycle assessment (LCA) as a method and framework has been extensively examined in the scientific literature, a new emphasis is put on integrating evolving spatiotemporal conditions of the analysed system, aiming to promote a more robust assessment through dynamic LCA. However, dynamic LCA methodologies remain inconsistent across multiple aspects, including on time-dependency, dynamic parameters, and links with other widely applied tools, such as material stocks and flows analysis or geographic information systems. Focusing on the four main phases of the LCA framework, this work presents a systematic review of the latest scientific literature reporting on prospective LCA modelling of buildings, while covering at least one dynamic parameter, such as the decarbonisation of the energy mix. First, this research presents the bibliometric structure of 64 published documents on the dynamic LCA of buildings, through four network visualisation maps. Then, it identifies a sample of 218 documents through the literature review method, and deeply analyses a sub-sample of 34 documents to systematise the emerging knowledge on dynamism in LCA as applied to buildings. We need a more comprehensive dynamic LCA modelling framework that can assess environmental performance of multiple building types, at a high level of spatial and temporal detail. Such framework should be able to integrate dynamic parameters in a simplified manner, and allow flexible time horizons and spatial scopes. Such framework should be able to quickly provide modelling results that may inform decision-making processes in finding solutions towards the challenges of resource depletion and climate change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 212 ISSN:1364-0321

This research delves into the environmental impact assessment of Positive Energy Districts (PEDs), focusing on comparative analyses of methodologies, key performance indicators, and an array of both theoretical and practical case studies. The literature review uncovers the strengths and weaknesses inherent current evaluation practices. The study reveals critical gaps in current assessment frameworks, particularly regarding the application to PEDs. It highlights the necessity for a holistic approach to PED evaluation, incorporating diverse energy sources and consumption patterns to fully understand their impact. The research advocates for the integration of multiple environmental factors in terms of innovative design and technology in PEDs, tailored to enhance both functionality and sustainability. It calls for the development of standardized guidelines and the learning from successful implementations to ensure the resilience and effectiveness of PEDs over time. Thus, this review paper aims to contribute to the body of knowledge on PEDs, offering insights and recommendations for future developments in this critical area of sustainable urban and energy planning. Cleaner Environmental Systems, 16 ISSN:2666-7894

Abstract In the face of human land use and climate dynamics, it is essential to know the key drivers of plant species diversity in montane regions. However, the relative roles of climate and ungulates in alpine ecosystem change is an open question. Neither observational data nor traditional palaeoecological data have the power to resolve this issue over decadal to centennial timescales, but sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) does. Here we record 603 plant taxa, as well as 5 wild, and 6 domesticated mammals from 14 lake sediment records over the last 14,000 years in the European Alps. Sheep were the first domesticated animals detected (at 5.8 ka), with cattle appearing at the early Bronze Age (4.2 ka) and goats arriving later (3.5 ka). While sheep had an impact similar to wild ungulates, cattle have been associated with increased plant diversity over the last 2 ka by promoting the diversity of forbs and graminoids. Modelling of the sedaDNA data revealed a significantly larger effect of cattle and wild ungulates than temperature on plant diversity. Our findings highlight the significant alteration of alpine vegetation and the entire ecosystem in the Alps by wild and domesticated herbivores. This study has immediate implications for the maintenance and management of high plant species diversity in the face of ongoing anthropogenic changes in the land use of montane regions.

Climate warming has led to earlier leaf green-up dates (GUD) with a greening trend of land surfaces in spring, yet the influence of multi-source particle pollution is not well understood. Using ground records and satellite observations of green-up date and fine particulate matter below 2.5 mu m (PM2.5) over the last two decades in China, here we show that PM2.5 pollution is associated with reduced plant carbon uptake and delayed green-up dates. These effects offset climate-driven spring greening and reduce subsequent photosynthesis in China. We find that pollution-associated delays in green-up date are primarily linked to increased chilling demands and higher heat requirements. PM2.5-associated decreases in photosynthetically active radiation and maximum rate of carboxylation could also weaken plant photosynthetic capacity. Finally, when we incorporate a PM2.5 effect, phenological models predict up to a one-week delay in green-up date by the year 2060 compared to previous predictions. Negative feedbacks between anthropogenic pollution and terrestrial carbon uptake suggest unexpected uncertainty of China's carbon neutral targets resulting from air pollution, with far-reaching implications for both ecosystem health and policy-making. Nature Communications, 16 (1) ISSN:2041-1723