Abstract

Global value chains are pivotal in international trade and economic growth, yet their environmental impact, particularly concerning CO2 emissions, remains a pressing issue. This study investigates the relationship between GVC participation and CO2 emissions, considering the roles of digital connectivity, technological assimilation, environmental policy frameworks, and governance quality. Using a two-step system GMM model, the research examines multiple GVC dimensions, including GVC position, backward and forward participation, and GVC depth and complexity. The results reveal that deeper integration into GVCs, especially through backward linkages and complex chain activities, significantly increases emissions. However, institutional quality, measured through factors such as government effectiveness and regulatory quality, can mitigate these emissions, underscoring the critical role of robust governance. The study recommends that policymakers enhance regulatory systems, promote sustainable technologies, and foster international cooperation to manage emissions. Limitations include the reliance on proxy measures for institutional quality and data constraints, suggesting that future research should consider broader environmental indicators and explore sector-specific policy impacts.

Keywords: Global Value Chains, technology,  Governance, Environmental Policy, Sustainable Development
Research interest: Environmental and Energy economics, sustainable development, technological innovations, Digital Economy, and related areas

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly becoming a prominent issue in the 21st century due to its devastating socio-economic and environmental impacts. In particular, Hydroelectric power generation is a renewable and clean energy source that plays a vital role in global energy production. However, climate change is affecting the reliability and sustainability of hydropower due to changes in water availability, seasonal variability, and extreme weather events. This paper examines various methods to address the challenges climate change poses to hydroelectric power generation. The approaches discussed include optimizing dam and reservoir operations through advanced hydrological forecasting, integrating real-time climate data, and using machine learning algorithms for adaptive water management. Additionally, the study explores the development of multi-reservoir systems to improve water storage and distribution, the use of pumped storage as a flexible energy solution, and the diversification of energy portfolios by combining hydropower with other renewable sources like solar and wind. Furthermore, analyse the benefits of enhancing infrastructure resilience, retrofitting existing facilities, and adopting sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions linked to hydropower reservoirs. The findings suggest that a combination of technological innovations, improved environmental modelling, and policy adaptations is essential for ensuring the future viability of hydroelectric power in an increasingly changing climate.
Keywords: Mitigation Strategies, Climate Change, Renewable Energy, Reservoir Operation, Sustainable Production, Emission Scenario Trends.

Biography

Dr. Halah Kadhim Tayyeh AL-Nealy, based in Al-Saidiya, Baghdad, Iraq, is an accomplished civil engineer specializing in water resource engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Water Resource Engineering from the University of Babylon (2023–2024), a Master’s degree in the same field from the same university (2013–2015), and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Al-Qadissiayh University (2008–2012). Halah has extensive teaching experience, serving as a lecturer at AL-Mustaqbal College University (2017–2019), Al-Qasim Green University (2018–2023), and Al-Qadissiayh University (2015–2016), where she taught courses related to fluid mechanics, hydrology, soil investigation, and hydraulic structures. Her research focuses on hydraulic performance, climate change impacts on hydropower, soil stabilization, and concrete behavior, with multiple publications on these topics in reputed journals and conferences, including a case study published in Applied Energy. Halah also holds a patent for an innovative hospital wastewater treatment unit using activated carbon sponge technology. She actively maintains academic profiles on platforms such as ResearchGate, Google Scholar, ORCID, and Publons, showcasing her contributions to civil engineering. Additionally, she is proficient in various software and programming tools, including AutoCAD, MATLAB, Flow 3D, STAADPRO, and HEC-RAS, along with expertise in statistical and hydrological modeling tools like SWAT, ArcGIS, and XLStat.