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A financing model for permanent carbon removal

A new regulatory and financial architecture is needed to support novel carbon dioxide removal technologies, such as biochar and direct air capture. A tiered auction framework suggests governments setting targets and minimum quality standards, then running reverse auctions that specify target volumes and price ceilings.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 12, 2026

Scientists report increased rather than decreased soil carbon accumulation in boreal sphagnum peatlands under warming

Climate warming stimulates sphagnum growth, promotes iron protection, and inhibits microbial decomposition in boreal peatlands. This leads to increased soil carbon accumulation, potentially offsetting half of the decline in boreal forest carbon sink under future warming.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Locking carbon in trees and soils could help ‘stabilize climate for centuries’ – but only if combined with underground storage

A new study offers a risk management approach to assess carbon removal portfolios and their potential to limit global warming over centuries. The framework suggests combining nature-based carbon storage like forestry with technology-based solutions like Direct Air Capture can provide long-term temperature stabilization.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJoule·DateOct 15, 2025

Environment: Offsetting fossil fuel reserves by planting trees faces ‘unsurmountable challenges’

A new study suggests that afforestation may not be a viable method for offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel reserves due to spatial requirements and financial viability. The analysis found that planting trees on an area larger than North America would be needed to offset the potential emissions, raising concerns about d...

SourceSpringer Nature·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2025

Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings according to new research

A new study from Colorado State University suggests that transitioning to green wastewater-treatment approaches, financed through carbon markets, could save $15.6 billion and reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by 30 million tonnes over 40 years. The research explores the potential economic tradeoffs of switching to green infrastructure an...

SourceColorado State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 15, 2024

Breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis paves the way for advanced electronic devices

Researchers at UNIST have achieved a significant breakthrough in organic semiconductor synthesis by synthesizing a novel molecule called BNBN anthracene. This derivative exhibits unique properties, including precise modulation of electronic properties without structural changes.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 29, 2023

New method verifies carbon capture in concrete

Researchers develop a method to verify whether carbon in concrete comes from air or raw materials. By analyzing carbon isotopes, they can confirm direct air capture and certify offsetting CO2 emissions. This technology is crucial for the construction industry and supports a circular economy.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023

New study highlights feasibility and optimization of ammonia-based power generation for carbon neutrality

A recent study evaluates the feasibility of ammonia-based power generation through techno-economic and carbon footprint analyses. The research reveals an impressive energy efficiency rate of 46.7% within the designed power generation process, with costs and greenhouse gas emissions considered.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateSep 8, 2023

Failings of California’s Cap and Trade Programme revealed in new analysis

A recent study published in Regional Studies found that California's Cap and Trade Programme does not achieve its goal of reducing carbon emissions while allowing for economic growth. The researchers compared county-level economic growth and emissions data with neighboring states and found no significant differences, indicating a poten...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRegional Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023

Targeted reimbursement: A just price for CO2

The study identifies households with high energy expenditures as the most affected groups, which should receive direct transfers for compensation. Cash payments to all households combined with moderate support for renewable energies can achieve a socially just solution, lowering energy prices and reducing hardship cases.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 30, 2022

Analysis: Risk aversion plays an important role in the coal-contracting behavior of US power plants

A new analysis by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Akshaya Jha finds that risk aversion drives the purchasing of coal primarily from long-term contracts, resulting in premium prices. The study estimates that if power plants purchased all their coal from the spot market, annual aggregate cost savings would be $2.9 billion on average.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateJan 17, 2022

Pandemic and digitalization set stage for revival of a cast-off idea: personal carbon allowances

A recent study suggests that personal carbon allowances (PCAs) may be a feasible solution to reduce emissions and promote sustainable lifestyles. The researchers propose a market-based approach to provide individuals with incentives and options to link their actions with global carbon reduction goals.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 16, 2021

Heating our climate damages our economies - study reveals greater costs than expected

A new study reveals that climate change can cause greater damages to economies than previously thought, with up to three times the estimated output losses of a 1°C hotter year. The research found significant economic losses of 10% globally and over 20% in tropical regions by 2100.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateAug 19, 2020

Novel trading system could help fund global health

A novel global trading system based on cost-effectiveness of health interventions is proposed to help fund global health. The system, which exchanges DALY credits, aims to incentivize high-income countries to scale up their health commitments and meet the Millennium Development Goals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2013

New research suggests cap and trade programs do not provide sufficient incentives for innovation

A new study by Margaret Taylor of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory finds that successful cap and trade programs often reduce incentives for innovation, as low-cost emissions reductions lead to lower allowance prices. This has significant implications for developing more effective pollution control targets.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 15, 2012

Carbon swap bank to beat climate change

A carbon swap bank could lead to genuine reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, according to Australian researchers. The concept allows for direct deposits of sequestered carbon and withdrawals of emission rights, bypassing issues with accurate measurement and international regulation.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInterdisciplinary Environmental Review·DateJan 6, 2011