Elsevier, , Volume 1, 1 January 2024
Nanomaterials have become an important area of research for scientists worldwide for their application in energy generation, energy conversion, and energy storage, self-powered devices, etc. It is in high need to find alternate energy sources to the traditional ones for a sustainable environment. Therefore it is important to work on using the excellent properties of nanomaterials to conquer the limitations in selecting materials and fabrication techniques for efficient energy generation instruments to substitute conventional energy storage and energy sources.
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
In recent years the use of plastics has increased exponentially. Due to their low capacity for degradation and low recycling (approximately 9%) plastic compounds have accumulated in the marine environment where erosion processes fragment and break them into microparticles that contaminate the water, harm marine fauna, and are ultimately ingested by humans. Various studies have reported the presence of microplastics in different components of marine ecosystems such as sediments, water, organisms, and even air.
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
As indicated by various scientific organizations—the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the World Health Organization, and World Wide Fund for Nature, among others, the earth is in an accelerated process of socio-environmental degradation. This is due to the enormous quantity of greenhouse gases that humanity has poured into the atmosphere for more than two centuries which has resulted in anthropogenic global warming, the sixth mass extinction of the species, and a generalized contamination of air, water, and soil.
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
From a global standpoint, the interplay between air quality and climate change represents a critical environmental issue, with profound implications for health, ecosystems, and economies across the planet. This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the complex interplay between air pollution and climate change, examining their sources, impacts, and strategies for mitigation. It delves into the direct and indirect health effects of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of different populations.
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
Rising human populations and energy demands have triggered the scientific community to explore renewable and sustainable energy sources, along with enhancing technologies associated with energy storage and electrocatalytic applications. Nanoclay has gained significant attention in recent years for various applications, of which energy storage and electrocatalytic applications are the most significant domains.
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
This chapter intends to systematize the trends and approaches that will inspire local policymaking in response to climate change challenges and to meet European guidelines and recommendations for sustainable development and quality of life improvement. The analysis explores relevant components for promoting health and sustainable behavior, namely smart living, smart health (as a part of the smart economy), and smart governance (i.e., participatory, anticipatory, and innovative).
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
Solar panels are a good alternative to fossil fuels. However, despite their numerous advantages, their most important limitation is dependence on environmental conditions. To solve this problem, energy storage systems are used with solar panels. To set a fixed output voltage requires designing a strong switching system to use stored energy when solar energy drops below the required value due to environmental conditions, and to store it in a storage system when there is a surplus of solar energy.
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
This chapter will discuss new developments in photovoltaics leading to new methods of cell manufacturing. Contrary to the conventional cells introduced in the previous chapters, these photovoltaic cells are different novel designs used in solar power plants. The section of this chapter will examine the different methods of constructing a floating photovoltaic power plant on water and discuss its features. Tapping the heat received from the sun will also be discussed despite the subject being a complete departure from this book, which is focused on photovoltaics.
Elsevier, , Volume , 1 January 2024
Climate change is accepted as the biggest challenge for the European Union (EU) and for this reason being a climate-neutral continent by 2050 is a priority for Europe. Deploying more renewables, increasing energy efficiency and electrification are the most important tools serving to this policy. With the support of innovation, renewable energy sectors could be more effective in climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. In this study, the two most mature renewable energy sectors; solar photovoltaic and wind energy in European countries are examined.
