The Institute for Sustainable Development at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) is tackling some of the planet’s most critical environmental challenges. By combining innovative research with global collaboration, the Institute is making meaningful contributions to sustainability efforts guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
MUST’s work providing actionable insights for sustainable development, economics, and communities:
1. AI for Smarter, Greener Cities
MUST researchers, led by Dr. Chengkun Liu, have developed a neural network model to map CO₂ emissions in urban areas, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This research identifies emission hotspots and demonstrates how integrating technology into urban policies can reduce environmental impacts while supporting economic growth.
2. Combating Greenwashing with Genuine Corporate Action
Dr. Liu’s research addresses the rising issue of greenwashing by analyzing corporate investments in renewable energy technologies. Using machine learning, the research team can find that companies with diverse leadership and genuine ESG commitments are more likely to drive meaningful environmental change.
3. Revealing the Hidden Carbon Footprint in Global Trade
Dr. Mingbao Chen’s groundbreaking work uses exponential random graph modeling (ERGM) to uncover carbon emissions embedded in international trade. This research highlights the need for global standards in carbon management to meet climate action targets effectively.
4. Communities at the Heart of Ecosystem Health
In marine protected areas across China, Dr. Chen has demonstrated the positive impact of community involvement in resource management. The research team developed a modified statistical tool; the study shows that ecosystems thrive when local communities actively participate in sustainability efforts.
5. Navigating Risks in Renewable Energy Markets
Dr. Tao Shen explores the dynamics between renewable energy sectors and environmental protection industries, revealing risk patterns that influence market stability. The findings provide insights to strengthen resilience in green markets and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Institute for Sustainable Development at MUST is not just studying sustainability challenges but designing the tools and strategies to solve them. Their vision for the future integrates innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions to empower cities, economics, and communities worldwide to thrive sustainably.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
References
[1] X. Luo, C. Liu, and H. Zhao, “Modeling and spatio-temporal analysis on CO2 emissions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area and surrounding cities based on neural network and autoencoder,” Sustainable Cities and Society, vol. 103, p. 105254, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.scs.2024.105254.
[2] Y. Huang, N. Xiong, and C. Liu, “Renewable energy technology innovation and ESG greenwashing: Evidence from supervised machine learning methods using patent text,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 370, p. 122833, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122833.
[3] M. Chen and Z. Xu, “Assessing socio-ecological fit of international environmental agreements and trade-embodied carbon flows,” Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 106, p. 107534, May 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.eiar.2024.107534.
[4] M. Chen and Z. Xu, “Optimization of social-ecological fit in China’s Sousa Chinensis protected areas based on modified Moran’s I,” Ocean & Coastal Management, vol. 255, p. 107234, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107234.
[5] T. Shen, X. X. Mai, Y. Chang, and C. T. Deng, “The dynamic connectedness between renewable energy market and environmental protection industry based on time and frequency perspective,” Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 53, p. 101371, May 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.esr.2024.101371.
The Institute for Sustainable Development at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) is tackling some of the planet’s most critical environmental challenges. By combining innovative research with global collaboration, the Institute is making meaningful contributions to sustainability efforts guided by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.
MUST’s work providing actionable insights for sustainable development, economics, and communities:
1. AI for Smarter, Greener Cities
MUST researchers, led by Dr. Chengkun Liu, have developed a neural network model to map CO₂ emissions in urban areas(61-1), including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This research identifies emission hotspots and demonstrates how integrating technology into urban policies can reduce environmental impacts while supporting economic growth.
2. Combating Greenwashing with Genuine Corporate Action
Dr. Liu’s research addresses the rising issue of greenwashing by analyzing corporate investments in renewable energy technologies(61-2). Using machine learning, the research team can find that companies with diverse leadership and genuine ESG commitments are more likely to drive meaningful environmental change.
3. Revealing the Hidden Carbon Footprint in Global Trade
Dr. Mingbao Chen’s groundbreaking work uses exponential random graph modeling (ERGM) to uncover carbon emissions embedded in international trade(61-3). This research highlights the need for global standards in carbon management to meet climate action targets effectively.
4. Communities at the Heart of Ecosystem Health
In marine protected areas across China, Dr. Chen has demonstrated the positive impact of community involvement in resource management. The research team developed a modified statistical tool; the study shows(61-4) that ecosystems thrive when local communities actively participate in sustainability efforts.
5. Navigating Risks in Renewable Energy Markets
Dr. Tao Shen explores the dynamics between renewable energy sectors and environmental protection industries(61-5), revealing risk patterns that influence market stability. The findings provide insights to strengthen resilience in green markets and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Institute for Sustainable Development at MUST is not just studying sustainability challenges but designing the tools and strategies to solve them. Their vision for the future integrates innovation, collaboration, and data-driven solutions to empower cities, economics, and communities worldwide to thrive sustainably.
*Notes: This article provides research teasers for each reference to showcase the novelties
References
[1] X. Luo, C. Liu, and H. Zhao, “Modeling and spatio-temporal analysis on CO2 emissions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area and surrounding cities based on neural network and autoencoder,” Sustainable Cities and Society, vol. 103, p. 105254, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.scs.2024.105254.
[2] Y. Huang, N. Xiong, and C. Liu, “Renewable energy technology innovation and ESG greenwashing: Evidence from supervised machine learning methods using patent text,” Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 370, p. 122833, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122833.
[3] M. Chen and Z. Xu, “Assessing socio-ecological fit of international environmental agreements and trade-embodied carbon flows,” Environmental Impact Assessment Review, vol. 106, p. 107534, May 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.eiar.2024.107534.
[4] M. Chen and Z. Xu, “Optimization of social-ecological fit in China’s Sousa Chinensis protected areas based on modified Moran’s I,” Ocean & Coastal Management, vol. 255, p. 107234, Sep. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2024.107234.
[5] T. Shen, X. X. Mai, Y. Chang, and C. T. Deng, “The dynamic connectedness between renewable energy market and environmental protection industry based on time and frequency perspective,” Energy Strategy Reviews, vol. 53, p. 101371, May 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.esr.2024.101371.
