Articles tagged with Fossil Fuels
A global inventory reveals oil refineries emitted 1.3Gt CO2 in 2018, with potential emissions of 16.5Gt by 2030 if no mitigation strategies are adopted. Researchers recommend improving refinery efficiency and upgrading technologies to reduce emissions.
Countries lagging behind in renewable energy adoption risk lower industrial competitiveness and economic instability. Uneven transition patterns can exacerbate existing international tensions, making it difficult for late decarbonizers to catch up with early movers.
A new study suggests that growing stinkweed as a crop could produce cleaner jet fuel with fewer environmental impacts than other biofuels. The study found that stinkweed requires less fertilizer and pesticides, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution.
Researchers estimate that US government subsidies will encourage more oil and gas extraction in the coming decade, particularly at low oil prices. The study's findings suggest that subsidies can flow to excess profits, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and air and water pollution.
A team of Lehigh University researchers is studying a promising alternative catalytic process based on solid acid catalysts for ethylene dimerization. Using in situ and operando molecular spectroscopy, they aim to understand the surface structures of the catalyst and design more active catalysts with reduced environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new method to improve oxygen reduction in fuel cells using iron-based single-atom catalysts. This breakthrough could unlock a level of efficiency never before realized, enabling large-scale deployment of fuel cells and their nearly limitless potential applications.
A new study updates the world scientists' warning of a climate emergency, highlighting worsening environmental conditions despite reduced fossil fuel use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors emphasize the need for profound changes in human behavior and policy shifts to mitigate the crisis.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates the median cost of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells at $76,000, with costs varying widely based on location, age, and other factors. The analysis of over 19,500 orphaned wells across the US provides valuable insights for regulators to adjust bonding requirements ...
A recent study found that meeting the Paris Agreement's 2°C target will increase net energy sector jobs globally by about 8 million by 2050. The majority of these new jobs will be in the solar and wind industries, while fossil fuel extraction jobs are expected to decline rapidly.
A leading nano-technologist argues that there are no excuses left to justify the use of fossil fuels. Significant innovations in advanced batteries and energy storage technologies are needed to meet the goal of a carbon net-zero planet by 2050.
Researchers developed chemical-free pretreatment methods and high-throughput phenotyping techniques for producing fuel from energycane. The studies found that energycane can produce up to 7.5 barrels of diesel per acre, surpassing soybean production, with lower costs and environmental impact.
Scientists have found a way to filter wastewater through the roots of willow trees, treating over 30 million litres of primary wastewater per hectare annually. The process produces renewable lignocellulosic biofuels and 'green' chemicals with antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have found a promising alternative to expensive electrocatalysts used in hydrogen production. Calcium iron oxide (CaFe2O4) has shown exceptional oxygen evolution reaction performance and durability, offering a cost-effective solution for water splitting.
Researchers found that 73% of announced recalls occurred in clusters, with a 16-day gap between cluster formations. Leading recalls are associated with higher stock market penalties than following recalls, growing as time since the last cluster increases.
Christian A. Davies, Ph.D., has been awarded the 2021 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Technology Innovation from TAMEST for his development of alternative carbon management technologies that reduce emissions. His work focuses on combining DNA sequencing techniques with net carbon flux to analyze microbes in soil.
The global food system accounts for nearly a third of total greenhouse gas emissions, with land clearing and deforestation, fertilizer use, and fossil fuel combustion major contributors. Reducing food system-related emissions is crucial to meeting the 1.5°C warming target
A new study published in Science finds that greenhouse gas emissions from the global food system could lead to a 1.5°C temperature increase by mid-century and 2°C by the end of the century. Transforming farming practices, eating habits, and reducing food waste are crucial to achieving climate goals.
The fossil fuel divestment movement has failed to reverse the trend of capital flowing into carbon-intensive industries due to its binary distinction between fossil and non-fossil companies. A more nuanced campaign focusing on low-carbon (re-)investment, modeled after credit ratings for climate change, is proposed as a solution.
Researchers have developed an artificial cyanobacterial biofilm that can sustainably produce green ethylene for up to 40 days. The biofilm's design limits cell growth, promoting efficient light utilization and biomass allocation towards ethylene biosynthesis.
A Monash University study warns of devastating impacts of climate change on wildfire seasons, with fuel, oxygen, and ignition source conditions fueling the crisis. Immediate action is needed to limit greenhouse gas emissions and avoid substantial increases in wildfire exposure by the end of the century.
Researchers found a seasonally variable biogenic CO2 cycle in Los Angeles, driven by irrigation and turf/plant growth, accounting for 33% of total emissions. The study highlights the need to separate fossil and biogenic sources of carbon in urban areas.
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have analyzed the costs of producing green hydrogen using electrolysis and solar power, finding that it can range from $2.89 to $4.67 per kilogram. The cost is influenced by factors such as electrolyser efficiency, available sunlight, and capital costs of electrolysers. To make green hydrogen more competitive...
Researchers at the University of Cambridge developed a standalone device that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into oxygen and formic acid, a storable fuel. The device, based on 'photosheet' technology, has shown high selectivity with minimal by-products.
A new University of Michigan study estimates that wealthy American homes generate about 25% more greenhouse gases than lower-income residences, mainly due to their larger size. The researchers used data from over 93 million American homes to create nationwide rankings by state and zip code.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science developed a novel laser-based strategy to degrade cellulose into glucose and cellobiose, precursor molecules for bioethanol production. The technique uses an infrared-free electron laser and achieves high yields without harsh reaction conditions.
Scientists at Linköping University develop a graphene-based photoelectrode that converts carbon dioxide to methane, carbon monoxide, or formic acid using solar energy. The technique could contribute to renewable energy development and reduce fossil fuel combustion's environmental impact.
Researchers estimate national fossil-fuel-derived CO2 emissions by observing carbon-14 in air samples. The new method uses a model of atmospheric transport to disentangle CO2 variations from natural sources, providing an independent and objective estimate.
Researchers estimate US fossil fuel CO2 emissions using atmospheric 14C measurements, finding higher emission rates compared to widely used inventories. The study suggests that independent validation of inventory-based estimates is possible through carbon isotope measurements.
Researchers have demonstrated a prototype device that uses microwave air plasmas for jet propulsion, offering a potentially viable alternative to conventional fossil fuel jet engines. The engine can generate thrusting pressures comparable to those of commercial airplane jet engines using only air and electricity.
Health experts recommend displaying warning labels on petrol pumps, energy bills, and airline tickets to inform consumers about the climate and health risks associated with fossil fuel use. The labels should state that continuing to burn fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency, leading to significant projected health impacts over time.
A new research study led by Miss Yu Yan Yau and Dr Benoit Thibodeau from the University of Hong Kong found that reducing fossil fuel combustion can significantly decrease hypoxic zones in Chinese coastal seas, with the South China Sea being the most sensitive area to nitrogen input
A team of scientists has developed a nature-inspired design for artificial photosynthesis, capable of generating large sources of renewable energy using CO2. The system consists of nanoscale tubes that mimic the structure of living photosynthetic cells, allowing for efficient conversion of sunlight into fuel.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that communication about environmental issues can help bridge the political divide by appealing to moral foundations. The researchers found that conservative moral messaging was more effective at increasing support for transitioning away from fossil fuels among conservatives, especially w...
Researchers develop enhanced device to transform CO2 into valuable chemicals by harnessing electricity. The new design enables gas reactants to reach the catalyst surface fast enough to significantly increase the rate of reaction.
Researchers at Tokyo Tech have discovered an efficient way to convert excess glycerol from the biodiesel industry into dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a valuable chemical. The electrochemical conversion process uses copper oxide as a catalyst, producing DHA while also generating hydrogen through water splitting.
Researchers have created a novel method for producing non-toxic chemicals using microorganisms, which can be scaled up for industrial use. The technique, developed at Imperial College London, mimics the way organisms naturally produce toxic chemicals without harming themselves.
A new study by Brown University researchers reveals that the hydrogen atoms bound to platinum at high activity regions are actually inert bystanders, not participating in the reaction. Instead, they sit atop platinum atoms and meet up with each other to form H2 gas, making platinum reactive.
A global team of scientists declares a climate emergency, warning of 'untold human suffering' without drastic shifts in human activities contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The declaration outlines six areas of action, including energy conservation, reducing short-lived pollutants, and stabilizing the global population.
A global coalition of scientists declares a climate emergency, warning of 'untold human suffering' without drastic changes. They propose six key areas for mitigation: energy, short-lived pollutants, nature, food, economy, and population.
Researchers have developed an artificial leaf that converts carbon dioxide into methanol, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable alternative fuel. The technology uses cuprous oxide as a catalyst, mimicking photosynthesis in plants.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully developed an artificial leaf that can directly produce syngas, a widely-used gas currently made from fossil fuels, in a sustainable way. The device uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce clean gas without releasing additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Researchers have discovered a new catalyst using bulk cerium oxide that can efficiently remove oxygen from biomass, enabling more economical conversion to fuels and chemicals. The discovery could reduce energy use and carbon emissions associated with fossil fuel production.
A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that consumers are more accepting of carbon pricing in air travel when the fee is labeled as a carbon offset and directed at fossil fuel producers. The study found that consumers were willing to pay more for flights if the extra money supported carbon emission reductions.
A study by University of California - Berkeley researchers finds that the New York Times' climate change coverage often fails to present basic facts about global warming, including its causes, effects, and permanence. This lack of fact-based reporting can lead to public confusion and skepticism.
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that reducing fossil fuel emissions gradually will prevent a sudden spike in warming, instead leading to a decrease in warming rates within two decades. This approach also reduces the rate of further greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere, slowing down future warming.
Researchers have developed polyoxometalate-based coordination frameworks that selectively reduce CO2 to methane with high photocatalytic activity. The integration of polyoxometalates and metalloporphyrin coordination frameworks enhances the reduction efficiency, allowing for the efficient conversion of CO2 to a valuable hydrocarbon fuel.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a way to produce butanol, a fourth-generation biofuel, using solar energy, water, and CO2 without the need for solar cells. The microorganisms can efficiently capture the sun's energy and bind to carbon dioxide in the air.
Research by social scientists reveals the US military is one of the largest climate polluters in history, consuming vast amounts of liquid fuels and emitting significant CO2e emissions. The study calculates part of the US military's impact on climate change through its global logistical supply chains.
Researchers at U of T Engineering have developed an electrochemical path to transform CO2 into valuable products, increasing energy efficiency by avoiding some energy-intensive losses. The technology achieves 100% carbon utilization and generates syngas as a single product.
Researchers have identified genes responsible for eucalyptus oil production, enabling the potential use of eucalyptus as a renewable fuel source. This breakthrough could enable faster and more efficient domestication of eucalyptus trees for biofuel production.
A new study reveals a strong connection between global warming and rising economic disparities worldwide. The research, led by Noah S. Diffenbaugh and Marshall Burke, suggests that long-term climate change has decreased economic growth in poor countries while increasing it in wealthy nations.
Researchers at MIT have found a way to quantify the boiling crisis phenomenon, which occurs when bubbles merge on a heated surface, blocking heat transfer. By analyzing patterns and density of bubbles, they can predict when the crisis will occur, potentially allowing for more efficient operation of power plants.
Researchers at KAUST's Clean Combustion Research Center investigate pre-ignition, a major bottleneck to engine downsizing. By analyzing engine parameters, they identify conditions that trigger pre-ignition, including high exhaust back-pressure and oil-fuel droplet interactions.
A recent study suggests that rapidly phasing out air pollution emissions can prevent approximately 3.6 million avoidable deaths each year, while also increasing rainfall in drought-prone regions and limiting global warming. The researchers found that removing fossil fuel-related and all anthropogenic emissions could achieve the 2°C tar...
A study by UC Santa Barbara found that moderate fertilizer and irrigation treatments resulted in the best biomass yields and carbon storage for prairie grasses. This approach also minimized competition with food crops and greenhouse gas emissions. The findings suggest a more tailored, ecologically friendly approach to biofuel productio...
A new study reveals that marine fishing vessels release almost as much CO2 as 51 coal-fired power plants, with a total of 207-million tonnes emitted in 2016. The researchers found that the industry's reliance on fossil fuel and lack of policy management has led to a significant increase in emissions.
Scientists at the University of Waterloo have created a powder that can capture CO2 from factories and power plants, offering a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The powder is twice as efficient as conventional methods and has potential applications in water filtration and energy storage.
Producing bio jet fuels from forestry residues in Norway can help reduce climate impacts, but it may affect other SDGs like Zero Hunger and Clean Water. The country could potentially produce 20% of its projected jet fuel use from forest residues by 2030.
Climate scientists predict that extreme summers, like 2018, will continue if countries don't phase out fossil fuels; however, switching to cleaner coal-burning technology can mitigate this effect. Aerosols play a crucial role in regulating temperatures and cooling the planet.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide modelled the transition to a sustainable energy future, examining the relative productivity of fossil fuels and renewables. The study shows that fuel productivity determines the viability of renewable energy and how economies will transition from fossil fuels to sustainable sources.