Articles tagged with Anthropogenic Carbon Dioxide
A new University of Washington study shows that past emissions from carbon majors will continue to impact the environment for decades to come. The research, published in PLOS Climate, highlights the long-term effects of fossil fuel emissions on global warming.
Under elevated CO2 levels, trees work with microbes to 'mine' soil nutrients, increasing nitrogen availability by 30%. This 'faster but tighter' cycle supports tree growth and productivity.
Teenagers and young adults have the highest individual environmental impact from their diets, producing the highest per-capita food-related GHG emissions worldwide. Meanwhile, population ageing is contributing to an increase in global dietary greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to older people living longer and having fewer children.
Researchers estimate that audience travel is responsible for most emissions at 'mega-events' like the World Cup. To reduce emissions, organisers should reward fans with discounts for using lower-carbon transport, rather than passing on costs.
A new study found that global rice production nearly doubled between the 1960s and 2010s due to increased irrigation and nutrient inputs. Climate change reduced rice production by an estimated 7% between 2006 and 2015, but elevated atmospheric CO2 levels contributed to improved water-use efficiency and enhanced photosynthesis.
A study finds that US forests are at risk of releasing stored carbon due to droughts, pests, and fires exacerbated by climate change. The researchers recommend increasing buffer pools in carbon-credit systems to account for these risks.
Researchers caution that weakening core safeguards in carbon markets risk worsening climate impacts and increasing net carbon emissions. Indigenous land stewardship is vital for maintaining intact ecosystems and vital carbon sinks, but alternative support mechanisms are needed to preserve the integrity of climate action.
A UC Berkeley-led study reconstructed emissions from Swedish wildfires and found that current climate estimates are failing to fully account for carbon released from smoldering organic soils. This highlights the need for improved climate models to better understand the impact of northern wildfires on the environment.
New analysis by Queen Mary University of London warns UK's reliance on EVs and heat pumps may offer little benefit in reducing emissions. The study urges urgent focus on grid capacity, renewables, and carbon capture to achieve net-zero targets.
A decade-long study reveals that combined effects of rising atmospheric CO₂ and warming reduce phosphorus availability in rice-upland crop rotation systems. Warming plays a dominant role in redirecting phosphorus into less accessible soil pools.
A new FAU study uncovers the impact of acidic water on shell-building marine organisms, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate coastal acidification. The research found that nutrient pollution, freshwater input, and other environmental factors contribute to reduced aragonite saturation.
A new study co-led by the University of Oxford found that global aviation emissions can be reduced by 50-75% through combined strategies to boost efficiency. The study reveals enormous variability in emissions efficiency, with some routes producing nearly 900 grams of CO2 per kilometre for each paying passenger.
Researchers at Northwestern University and Stanford University develop a new artificial metabolism that converts waste carbon dioxide into acetyl-CoA, a universal metabolite used by all living cells. The system, called Reductive Formate Pathway (ReForm), uses engineered enzymes to perform metabolic reactions never seen in nature.
A new study projects that sustained carbon neutrality efforts will fundamentally reshape global monsoon patterns, leading to a more balanced distribution of vital rains. The path to carbon neutrality unfolds in two phases, with an initial temporary increase in rainfall imbalance between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
A new study reveals that the strength of carbon monoxide adsorption energy relies on a mix of reaction factors, including catalyst material and voltage. This insight can guide the design of more efficient catalysts to convert CO2 into useful fuels like methanol and ethanol.
A new study suggests that Amazon forest trees have increased in size by an average of 3.2% every decade over the past few decades. The research found that both large and smaller trees have benefited from increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to a significant increase in tree size.
A growing body of research links environmental pollutants to worsened health and shorter life spans in childhood cancer survivors. The study found that only 25% of pediatric oncology providers felt comfortable discussing environmental pollutant impacts with patients.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found that corporate net-zero pledges often lack the substance needed to drive real change. Many companies use vague language and focus on direct emissions, omitting substantial indirect emissions generated by their products.
A study found that many low carbon taxes were initially implemented for non-climate reasons, such as generating revenue or meeting international expectations. Despite being ratcheted up over time, only a few countries showed strong evidence of sequencing to increase emissions reduction.
New research reveals that lake littoral zones store more carbon than previously thought, highlighting the need for inclusion in global carbon budgets. By including these zones, lakes may switch from being net carbon sources to net carbon sinks.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyze historical U.S. carbon emissions trends, identifying factors that contributed to changes and offering lessons for developing countries. The study suggests that investing in efficient technologies and avoiding overreliance on coal can help avoid pitfalls encountered by the United States.
A new study projects significant ocean acidification around Hawaiian Islands within the next three decades, posing challenges to coral reefs and other marine organisms. Researchers found varying levels of acidity across different island regions, with windward coastlines exhibiting higher novelty in future conditions.
A new report from the University of Cambridge's Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy highlights the alarming trajectory of energy use by big tech companies, driven by AI growth. The report predicts that data centres could consume up to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, far exceeding current emissions from air travel.
Researchers found that adopting new digital systems to help oceangoing container ships get in line to offload their cargo at busy ports reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 16-24%. This intervention is cheap and utilizes existing technology.
A new study found that adopting low-carbon lifestyles can reduce global carbon footprints by 10.4 gigatons of CO2 equivalent, equivalent to 40.1% of household consumption-based emissions in 116 countries analysed. Researchers identified 21 low-carbon actions that could achieve this reduction if adopted by the top 23.7% of global emitters.
A new study found that state-led climate action can reduce carbon emissions by up to 46% by 2050, with different technologies adopted in each state. State-led efforts would focus on industrial decarbonization, while federally coordinated efforts rely more on clean energy production.
Biomass is crucial for Europe's ability to reach its climate targets, providing both energy and negative emissions. Excluding biomass from the European energy system would increase costs by 169 billion Euros per year.
Computer simulations show that captured CO2 can be permanently stored underground by mixing with groundwater, creating a denser liquid that sinks and remains there. Suitable geological conditions, such as impermeable rock layers and porous aquifers, are necessary for effective CO2 storage.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new carbon-negative building material that can be used to manufacture concrete, cement, plaster, and paint. By converting CO2 into solid, durable materials using electricity and seawater, the material not only stores CO2 but also produces clean hydrogen gas.
A study from the University of Utah found that California's stricter regulations and fuel standards led to lower carbon monoxide emissions on Los Angeles freeways. In contrast, Salt Lake City saw an increase in CO emissions due to factors like older vehicles and higher speed limits.
A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that deploying carbon capture technologies would be more expensive and harmful than transitioning to renewable energy sources. The authors compared two extreme scenarios: a complete switch to renewable energy versus maintaining current fossil fuel reliance with some renewables, nu...
The study found that widespread deployment of carbon capture technology would be more costly and harmful than a global switch to renewable energy. Researchers calculated that replacing fossil fuels with renewables could reduce energy needs by over 54% and avoid hundreds of millions of illnesses and 5 million deaths per year.
Four Case School of Engineering faculty members, A. Bolu Ajiboye, Christine Duval, Burcu Gurkan, and Steve Majerus, received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the US government. The award recognizes their exceptional talent, dedication, and impact in their respective research fields.
A Dartmouth-led study projects that Antarctica's glaciers will rapidly retreat and potentially collapse by 2200, increasing global sea levels by up to 5.5 feet by 2300. The researchers used 16 ice-sheet models to refine the projection of ice loss over the next 300 years.
A recent study from the University of Delaware has analyzed a high-quality carbonate dataset to investigate anthropogenic carbon dioxide in coastal waters. The researchers found that surface water shows high levels of anthropogenic carbon dioxide, while middle and deep layers have lower concentrations.
A new study from Heriot-Watt University finds that a decarbonized steel industry can use lower-grade iron ore, which is currently unfeasible due to high energy and material requirements. The research suggests that integrating advanced emission reduction technologies can make this viable path economically acceptable.
Research by the Royal Ontario Museum identifies Great Salt Lake as a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, with 4.1 million tons released in 2020. The study highlights the importance of considering desiccation of lakes and rivers in assessments of global greenhouse gas output.
Scientists have developed a nanocomposite material with sodium carbonate and nanocarbon to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The new material shows high CO2 capture capacity and can be regenerated for up to 10 cycles, reducing energy consumption.
Empa researchers have developed a system to investigate up to ten different reaction conditions for producing synthetic fuels from CO2. The system accelerates the discovery process by generating a large number of high-quality datasets, enabling scientists to make accelerated discoveries.
A UC Riverside study shows that extreme heat in Earth's past caused a decline in the exchange of waters from the surface to the deep ocean, which redistributes heat around the globe. This system has been crucial for regulating Earth's climate and removing anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
A German junior research group at the University of Oldenburg is developing precious-metal-free catalysts to convert carbon dioxide into methanol, formaldehyde, and ethylene. The team aims to create inexpensive and durable materials for large-scale industrial applications.
A worldwide analysis of voluntary carbon offset programs identified trends in renewable energy, forestry, and other technologies. Forestry and land management projects initially increased due to REDD+ programs, but shifted towards nature-positive solutions after 2016.
A mathematical model estimates iron fertilization's potential costs, ranging from $7 to $1,500 per ton of carbon removed. The study also explores the impact of verification methods and aerial delivery on costs.
A recent study found that ocean acidification in the Mediterranean is already affecting the calcification of marine plankton, with negative consequences for marine ecosystems. The research suggests that anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions are the main driver of this decline, while ocean warming may be mitigating this effect.
The Pitt team will receive $2,274,859 to develop buoy-based optical fiber sensors for measuring pH and carbon dioxide in seawater. This technology aims to monitor geochemical processes within the ocean environment to kilometer-range depths, understanding its physical parameters and geochemistry.
A recent study by Dr. Dongxu Yang and his team from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has shed light on the critical issue of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions. They conducted a campaign in Shenzhen and Nanning, using a Low-cost UAV Coordinated Carbon Observation Network (LUCCN) to monitor greenhou...
A new study published in Global Change Biology suggests that large-scale ocean iron fertilization could exacerbate climate change-driven nutrient shortages and productivity losses in the tropics, potentially harming coastal fisheries. The research also showed a five percent decline in fish and marine species biomass in tropical areas d...
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
A new detection technique reveals that megafires emit significantly more methane than previously thought, posing challenges to California's climate goals. Researchers used remote sensing to measure methane emissions from wildfires, finding nearly 20 gigagrams of methane emitted by a single fire.
A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.
A new study finds that coccolithophores, a common group of marine phytoplankton, dominate the production of calcium carbonate in the surface ocean. This process controls atmospheric CO2 levels and is crucial for understanding climate change and ocean acidification.
Scientists have successfully tracked CO2 emissions from the Bełchatów power plant in Poland using existing satellites. The study demonstrates that tracking-at-the-source is already possible for 'super-emitters' like this facility, and its success is an important achievement. The results indicate that the EU's planned CO2M mission will ...
Researchers analyzed TanSat and Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor mission data to identify human-caused CO2 emission signatures. The study found that TanSat's measurements can capture anthropogenic variations in the plume with spatial patterns similar to other observations.
Researchers have developed a new carbon capture method using sponge-like materials that can trap CO2 without degrading over time. The materials are made from sugar and low-cost alkali metal salts, making them a potentially cost-effective solution for reducing coal-fired power plant emissions.
A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.
Researchers have developed a highly active and stable nickel-carbon catalyst for the light-driven methanation of CO2, converting it into methane with high efficiency. The new catalyst, named Ni@C, demonstrated a high rate of conversion and selectivity under artificial UV, visible, and IR light.
Researchers analyzed an ice core from Greenland and found that fires in the North Atlantic region decreased over 4,500 years ago due to weaker summer insolation and expanding glaciers. Human interference, such as Viking colonization, also played a role in reducing fire frequency.
A new study reveals an invisible layer of biological compounds on the sea surface can reduce carbon dioxide gas exchange by up to 50 percent. This finding has major implications for predicting future climate, as it suggests slower removal of anthropogenic carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is showcasing recent advancements in hurricane forecasting, climate trends, and the long-term impact of CO2 emissions. A new study reveals improved forecast capabilities, while another paper examines the causes of seasonal and regional climate trends over the United States.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a method to estimate photosynthetic uptake by plants over large regions, improving accuracy of global warming and land cover change estimates. By analyzing carbonyl sulfide levels, scientists can quantify human-generated CO2 emissions and develop better management strategies.