Books
Yang, P. (2024). Renewable Energy: Challenges and Solutions.
This monograph provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and solutions associated with renewable energy, covering topics such as technology, policy, economics, and environmental impacts. It offers insights into the current state of renewable energy and explores future prospects for sustainable energy development.
Yang, P. (2019). Cases on Green Energy and Sustainable Development. IGI Global, 1st edition (August 1, 2019).
A critical research book that focuses on the important role renewable energy and energy efficiency play in energy transition and sustainable development and covers economic and promotion policies of major renewable energy and energy-efficiency technologies.
Yang, P. (2015)- Renewables are Getting Cheaper. The Green Economics Institute; 1st edition
This book examines the current state of renewable energy technologies, their economic viability, and the factors contributing to their decreasing costs. It explores the implications of this trend for energy markets, policy-making, and the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Yang, P. (2015). Rolling Back the Tide of Climate Change in the USA and China: Renewable Solutions and Policy Instruments The Green Economics Institute; 1st edition (August 1, 2015).
This study attempts to answer many difficult, challenging questions about responsibilities, actions, and performances; e.g., has the USA led or lagged in tackling eco challenges, has it done at least its fair share relating to its eco footprint, and if not, why; how should China control its growing pollution, which threatens to counterbalancing the CO2 reductions of committed economies, without jeopardizing its necessary, poverty eradicating, development; how should both avoid meaningless zero sum green trade wars against each other that worsens the challenges to renewable energy deployment worldwide?
Journal Papers and Book Chapters
Yang, P. (2026) IA Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Solar PV R&D.
In Filho, W., Mueller, H., Wall, T., Yang, P., Andrzej, K. (Eds.) Artificial Intelligence in Sustainability Teaching and Research, Accepted, forthcoming 2026 (refereed). (Refereed).
This study investigates the benefits, challenges, and solutions of the advanced AI applications in in Sustainable Solar PV research and development.
Filho, W., Yang, P., Li, C., Cataldi, M., Lache, I.S. (2026). Applications of Robotics in Sustainable Development. Sustainable Development. (refereed, IF: 8.2).
This Study analyzes the applications of robotics in sustainable development, exploring how robotic technologies can contribute to various sustainability goals, such as environmental monitoring, resource management, and disaster response. It discusses the potential benefits and challenges of integrating robotics into sustainability efforts and highlights case studies demonstrating their applications in different sustainability domains. Yang, P. (Contributor). Renewables-based Economy (RBE) Tracker, REN21, submitted (refereed).
This document is tracking the renewable energy based economic development of the major developed and developing economies, including their renewable energy shares in total energy consumption and electricity generation, their renewable energy investments, and their renewable energy policies. Yang, P. (Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). Renewables 2025 Global Status Report - REN21, September 2025 (refereed).
This document is analyzing the global status of renewable energy policies and their implications for the 21st century. It provides insights into the trends, challenges, and opportunities in renewable energy policy development and implementation worldwide, with a focus on the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
Filho, W., Barbir, J., May, J., May, M., Swart, J., Yang, P., Dinis, M.A.P., Aina, Y.A., Bettencourt, S., Charvet, P., Azadi, H. (2025). Towards more sustainable oceans: a review of the pressing challenges posed by marine plastic litter. Waste Management & Research: The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy. 2, Sage. (refereed, IF: 4.3; 5-Year IF: 4.3; cited by 10).
This study analyzes the pressing challenges posed by marine plastic litter and explores potential solutions for achieving more sustainable oceans. It reviews the sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to marine plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for coordinated global efforts to address this critical environmental issue. Yang, P. (Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). Renewables 2024 Global Status Report - REN21, September 2024 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2024, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (Reviewer and Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). Renewables 2023 Global Status Report - REN21, May 2023 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2023, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (2022). Urban Expansion of German Energiewende. Energy, Sustainability, and Society, 12, 54 (IF: 5.4, refereed, cited by 17).
This report analyzes the urban expansion of the German Energiewende, which is Germany's transition to a more sustainable energy system. It examines the impacts of this transition on urban development, energy infrastructure, and sustainability outcomes, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with large-scale energy transitions in urban contexts.
Filho, W., Yang, P., et al. (2022). Deploying Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Development Research. Environment, Development and Sustainability, Springer Nature. (IF: 4.08, refereed, cited by 92).
This Study investigates the deployment of digitalization and artificial intelligence in sustainable development research, exploring how these technologies can enhance data analysis, modeling, and decision-making processes. It discusses the potential benefits and challenges of integrating digital tools in sustainability research and highlights case studies demonstrating their applications in various sustainability domains.
Filho, W., Vidal, D.G., Chen, C., Petrova, M., Dinis, M., Yang, P., Rogers, S., Álvarez-Castañón, L., Djekic, I., Sharifi, A., & Neiva, S. (2022). An assessment of requirements in investments, new technologies, and infrastructures to achieve the SDGs. Environmental Sciences Europe. 8, 34–58. (IF: 5.481, refereed, cited by 83).
This study assesses the requirements in investments, new technologies, and infrastructures needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It evaluates the financial and technological gaps that must be addressed to meet the SDGs and provides recommendations for policymakers, investors, and stakeholders to mobilize resources effectively for sustainable development. This study analyzes the sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to riverine plastic pollution in Asia, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities for addressing this critical environmental issue. Yang, P. (Reviewer and Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). Renewables 2022 Global Status Report - REN21, May 2022 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2022, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (Reviewer and Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). Renewables 2021 Global Status Report - REN21, May 2021 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2021, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (Reviewer and Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21). Renewables 2020 Global Status Report - REN21, May 2020 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2020, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (Reviewer and Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), May 2019. Renewables 2019 Global Status Report - REN21 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2019, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (Contributor). Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), June 2018. Renewables 2018 Global Status Report - REN21, June 2017 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2018, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (Contributor). UNECE Renewable Energy Status Report 2017 (refereed).
This report provides an analysis of the global status of renewable energy in 2017, including trends in renewable energy deployment, policy developments, and market dynamics. It offers insights into the progress made towards a sustainable energy future and identifies key challenges and opportunities for further growth in the renewable energy sector. Yang, P. (2016). Development of Solar Power in the World. Introducing Renewables: The Energy of Choice in the 21st Century, edited by Federica Savarino and Iolanda Cum. Green Economic Publishing House, 21/09/2016.
This study analyzes the development of solar power globally, including technological advancements, policy support, and market trends.
Yang, P. (2015) Major Economies: Black Energy Intensity and Policy Implications, IAFOR Journal of Sustainability, Energy and the Environment. Vol. 2, No. 1, pp.63-98.
This study attempts to identify common trends for the “black” economic development of the major developed and developing countries as well as exceptions to these trends. It investigated these economies' energy and carbon dependences in the last 44 years. Yang, P. (2015). The Real Cause of U.S. Subprime, Financial, Economic Crises 2007–2009. The IAFOR Academic Review, 1(8):42–52 (refereed).
This study analyzes the real causes of the U.S. subprime, financial, and economic crises from 2007 to 2009, examining the underlying factors and systemic issues that contributed to the crises. Yang, P. (2015). The Real Cause for the U.S. Subprime, Financial, Economic Crises in 2007–2009. In Greening the Global Economy: Reform and Transformation. Edited by Sofia Amaral, Green Economics Institute, 319–346.
This study analyzes the real causes of the U.S. subprime, financial, and economic crises from 2007 to 2009, examining the underlying factors and systemic issues that contributed to the crises, and discusses potential reforms and transformations for greening the global economy. Yang, P. (2015). Black Energy Intensity: Implications for Major Economies. IAFOR Journal of Sustainability, Energy and The Environment, 2(1):63–98 (refereed).
This study analyzes the black energy intensity of major economies, which refers to the amount of energy consumed per unit of economic output, and discusses its implications for sustainability and energy policy.
Yang, P. (2014) Black energy intensity versus green energy intensity: implications for sustainable development
International Journal of Green Economics (IJGE). Vol. 8, No. 2.
This study attempts to identify the common trends for the 'black' and 'green' economic development of the major developed and developing countries as well as exceptions to these trends. It investigated these economies' energy and carbon dependence in the last 42 years and their renewable energy growths in the last ten years.
Yang, P. (2014) Green Energy Intensity: Development of Renewable Energy Generation and Consumption in Major Economies
Journal of Economics and Development Studies. Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 31-49.
This study attempts to identify common trends for the “green” economic development of the major developed and developing countries as well as exceptions to these trends. It investigated these economies' renewable energy growths in the last 10 year.
Yang, P., Chen, I. (2010) From Energy Efficiency Program to Carbon Intensity Program: Toward a More Effective Mitigation of China’s Climate Impact?
International Journal of Arts and Sciences. Vol. 3, No. 13, pp. 267 - 292.
China's economic development faces a sustainability dilemma. Although its energy efficiency was significantly improved during the last 30 years, its coal-dominant energy structure was hardly changed for better. As a result, it already overtook the USA and became the world’s largest CO2 emitter in 2007 even though its PPP weighted per capita GDP and CO2 emissions were only 1/5 and 1/4 those of the U.S.
Yang, P., Chen, I. (2011). Accelerating the green transformation in the USA: new deal for the economic crisis
International Journal of Green Economics, Vol. 5, No. 2, pp. 184 - 203.
Although the United Nations called for a 'Global Green New Deal'and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) includes green incentives, there is far from a consensus on whether the Green New Deal will be a key solution to the economic crisis. ...
Yang, P., Chen, I. (2009). Greening economy as a key solution to the economic crisis
, in Global Perspective for Competitive Enterprise, Economy and Ecology Advanced Concurrent Engineering 2009, pp 215-222.
The “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009”(ARRA) includes “green” stimulus incentives, the existing incentives in the USA are examined in this article in terms of its effectiveness as a policy instrument to implement the “Global Green New Deal” called by the UN in response to the current financial and economic crisis.
Yang, P. (2009) Public finance and environment: correlations of selected taxes with pollution and CO2 emissions in China between 1999 and 2006, International Journal of Green Economics (IJGE), Vol.3, No.1, pp.48 - 62.
China's breakneck economic growth in recent decades was accompanied by visible environmental pollution and degradation. In the same period, tax revenues also increased sharply. Replacing existing taxes with the environment taxes called for by many.
Yang, P. (2009) How Can We Carry Out Green Incentives Most Efficiently?
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology. Vol. 3, June 27.
The United States has enacted a green energy incentive package within its Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). It is, however, unclear how these government incentives can be carried out most effectively according to market-based principles and if they can serve as a catalyst for an accelerated green transformation and ...
Yang, P. (2012) A system engineering approach: Integrating technology into the classroom-based curriculum
, Systems and Informatics (ICSAI), pp.1000-1004.
Technology has become ubiquitous in the 21st Century, touching almost every aspect of our lives, our business and consumer activities, and our communications in professional, social, political and cultural communities. Yet it is still far from an easy task to integrate technology into curriculum design and development ...
Zhou, X., Yang, J. (1990) The Rapid Expansion of Economic Information in the 1990s and the Challenge to China’s Economic Reform
in From Technology Transfer to Technology Management in China, Europe-Asia-Pacific Studies in Economy and Technology, Springer 1990, pp. 261-281.
In the early 1980s, people began to talk about the emergence of a new technological revolution, and described it as the “third wave”, maintaining that developed countries (DCs) had entered the “information society”,“post-industrial society”, etc.
Book Reviews
Yang, P. (2010) China and the Global Political Economy (book review) Asian Business & Management. Vol. 9, Issue 2, pp 285–288.
Yang, P. (2011). Laid-Off Workers in a Workers' State: Unemployment with Chinese Characteristics (book review)
The Journal of Asian Studies.
This volume is a collection of ten studies of mass unemployment and layoffs as a result of the restructuring of state-owned enterprises (SOEs). The key term is xiagang, a new word coined in China during the 1990s to mean “leaving one's post,” as opposed to jiegu (being laid off).
Yang, P. (2009). Environmental Policy Convergence in Europe? The Impact of International Institutions and Trade (book review)
International Journal of Green Economics, 2009,
Environmental Policy Convergence in Europe? The Impact of International Institutions and Trade, by Katharina Holzinger, Christoph Knill and Bas Arts (Eds.). Cambridge University Press, 2008. ISBN-10: 0521888816; ISBN-13: 978-0521888813
Yang, P. (2009) Fishing Wars and Environmental Change in Late Imperial and Modern China (book review)
China Review International.
This monograph is a volume of the Harvard East Asian Monograph Series published by the Harvard University Asia Center. It is a major study of China's fishing history from the late Qing period to the 1970s. Yang, P. Migration and Social Protection in China (book review) China Review International, 2009.
This volume is a collection of twelve essays that critically examine a unique major social phenomenon in the transformation of a fast growing China—rural-to-urban migrant workers and their social protection.
Yang, P. 2010 - Asian Business & Management June 2010, Volume 9, Issue 2, pp 285–288.
Breslin's volume in the International Political Economy series is a serious, solid study of China's position in the global political economy, in which the author answers the questions how and to what extent economic and social transformations in China impact on the global political economy and how the global political economy affects China's economic and social transformations. It consists of six chapters, an introduction, and a conclusion.
Yang, P. Reform and the Non-State Economy in China: The Political Economy of Liberalization Strategies (book review) China Review International, 2008.
This book is a solid, in-depth study of China's successful reform strategies that have managed leadership conflict, guided economic reforms, and ensured rapid, sustained economic growth for more than a quarter century. It consists of nine chapters.
Yang, P. (2010). China and Asian Regionalism. By Yunling Zhang. Hackensack, NJ: World Scientific, 2009. x, 229 pp. (cloth). Free Trade Agreements in the Asia Pacific (book review) The Journal of Asian Studies, Volume 69, Issue 4, 1174-1177.
Zhang's fifteen-chapter volume reviews the emergence and development of Asian regionalism, which in his view promotes the region's cooperation and integration, and discusses China's role in Asian regionalism. It involves major policy research on the ...
Yang, P. (2008). The Chinese Economy. Transitions and Growth (book review) Asian Business & Management, vol. 7, Iss. 4, pp 511–513.
Written by one of the most respected authorities in this field, this text results from the material for a course on the Chinese economy that the author has taught annually since 1988 at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies ...
Yang, P. (2010). Neo-Confucianism in History (book review)
The Journal of Asian Studies, Vol. 69, Issue 04 / November 2010, pp.1177-1179.
Peter K. Bol describes his book as “an interpretive, at times polemical, inquiry into the Neo-
Confucian engagement with the literati as a social and political elite, with local society, and with the imperial state during the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties.” The first half surveys ...
Yang, P. (2010). Free Trade Agreements in the Asia Pacific, vol 11 (book review)
The Journal of Asian Studies. Vol. 11. 69:44, 1174-1177, CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS.
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