Based on the financial panel data of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2015 to 2022, this paper takes the “Fee-to-Tax” reform in environmental protection in 2018 as a quasi-natural experiment and employs the Propensity Score Matching-Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) model to explore the impact of the environmental protection tax on the valuation of heavily polluting enterprises. The research results show that the environmental protection tax can significantly promote the valuation increase of heavily polluting enterprises and has passed a series of robustness tests. In addition, the analysis of regional heterogeneity and enterprise ownership heterogeneity further reveals the differences between regions and enterprise ownership. The environmental protection tax has a significant positive impact on the valuation of heavily polluting enterprises in Eastern China and non-state-owned heavily polluting enterprises. It is also further found that the environmental protection tax policy improves the valuation of heavily polluting enterprises through the paths of environmental information disclosure, green technology innovation, and intelligent transformation. In light of these findings, this paper proposes relevant policy recommendations to provide reference for accelerating enterprise transformation and upgrading and promoting steady economic growth.

Considering the recent adverse developments, studies have focused on the environmental degradation of countries. In this context, various indicators for the environment as well as explanatory variables have been used. In line with the increasing geopolitical risk (GPR) in recent times, the study focuses on investigating the impact of GPR on the environment for G7 countries, which are the leading economies in the world. In doing so, the study considers carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and ecological footprint (EF) as the environmental indicators; and performs quantile-on-quantile regression (QQ) as the fundamental model, which investigates the relationship between two variables across quantiles (i.e., levels); applies quantile regression (QR) for robustness; and uses using monthly data between 1985 and 2022. The study proves that (i) GPR generally decreases CO₂ emissions at higher quantiles, whereas it causes an increasing impact at lower quantiles; (ii) GPR mainly curbs EF at higher levels, whereas it causes a stimulating impact at lower levels; (iii) the power of the impact of GPR differentiates a bit according to quantiles, indicators, and countries; (iv) the alternative method mostly validates the robustness of the results. Thus, the study implies that GPR has a stimulating impact on environmental degradation at the beginning (i.e., lower quantiles) by causing much more consumption and short-term-based decisions, whereas it causes a decline at the last (i.e., higher quantiles) through making consumption more responsible and decisions with more long-term-based perspective. So, GPR is an important predictor of the environment and has a critical impact on environmental degradation. Accordingly, policymakers have to consider the quantile, country, and environmental indicator-based differentiation impact of GPR on the environment in designing environmental policies. In this way, it is possible for the countries to achieve sustainable development goals by ensuring environmental degradation.

Maritime trade, recognized as the most cost-efficient method for long-distance goods transportation, remains the backbone of global commerce despite market volatility and fluctuating supply-demand dynamics. This study examines the intricate relationship between maritime trade and environmental impacts, focusing on the use of Arctic routes and the consequent release of ship-sourced black carbon (BC). An extensive review of the BC literature elucidates its detrimental effects on both environmental integrity and human health. Furthermore, the investigation delves into the specific repercussions of maritime shipping activities in the Arctic region, highlighting how increased ship traffic contributes to global warming through enhanced ice melt. The analysis pivots on the paradox of maritime trade: while seeking cost-effective and rapid routes, such as those through the Arctic, the maritime industry inadvertently exacerbates ecological degradation and climate change. This dichotomy underscores the critical need for a balanced approach in maritime operations, considering both economic viability and environmental stewardship. The study culminates in a nuanced evaluation of the trade-offs involved, proposing strategies for sustainable maritime trade that align with global environmental goals.

This study rigorously assesses the environmental impact of Zambia’s cement industry, utilizing the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the application of SimaPro software. The focus is primarily laid on the stages of raw material extraction and transportation, pivotal in the cement production process. The analysis, grounded in the use of the eco-invent database, renowned for its reliability, encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of resource depletion, energy usage, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with a particular emphasis on the latter. Findings reveal that raw material extraction and transportation collectively contribute to 80% of the environmental footprint associated with the production of 1000 tonnes of cement as a functional unit. Specifically, raw material extraction is responsible for 44%, transportation 36%, and coal consumption for limestone decomposition 19% of the total impact. The assessment critically examines environmental impact categories such as climate change, freshwater eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, fossil depletion, and human toxicity. These categories are selected due to their direct relevance to the overarching goal of the study. A noteworthy aspect of the analysis is the cement industry's dependency on hydroelectricity. The role of renewable energy sources, particularly hydroelectricity, in mitigating ecological impacts is underscored. The systematic approach of SimaPro, enhanced through the incorporation of industry-specific and region-specific data, adds a layer of reliability to the study. This research, conforming to industry standards and evaluated by experts, delves deeply into aspects such as energy consumption, GHG emissions, water utilization, and land use. To augment the robustness of the findings, a sensitivity analysis is also conducted. The study underlines that the processes of raw material extraction and transportation are key contributors to the environmental footprint of the cement industry in Zambia. Recommendations are made for ethical sourcing, exploration of alternative transportation methods, and optimization of logistics. The study acknowledges the vital interplay between corporations, governments, and academic institutions in shaping tailored sustainability policies. Proposals for the adoption of alternative fuels and the optimization of transportation logistics are put forward, highlighting that ethical raw material extraction is imperative for transitioning towards a more sustainable cement industry.