Carbon Emissions

Basalt could be the key to greener and cheaper cement

Relaxing rules on carbon markets would undermine climate action, scientists warn

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.

Hasanuddin University study paves way for sustainable construction in sugar-producing regions

Carbon credits have enabled vital protection of tropical forests, despite being oversold tenfold

A major analysis found that four in five REDD+ projects successfully protected forests. Many projects have slowed deforestation despite over-crediting; 'bad credits' do not necessarily mean bad projects.

Brazil has lost 1.4 billion tons of soil carbon due to the conversion of natural areas to agriculture

Researchers estimate that recarbonizing one-third of Brazil's agricultural land could meet the country's Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement. Sustainable practices like crop rotation and no-till farming can increase soil carbon storage, with potential increases of up to 15.3% in some biomes.

New study quantifies lake CO₂ emissions and their rising trend in China

A recent study by Chinese researchers has quantified lake carbon dioxide emissions in China, finding a significant increase of 24% over the past two decades. The study highlights the importance of high-resolution monitoring to refine lake carbon budgets and inform effective climate mitigation policies.

Hot spring microbiomes could transform industrial CO2 waste into valuable products, Manchester researchers find

Researchers at the University of Manchester have found that terrestrial hot spring microbiomes can transform industrial CO2 waste into biomass and other valuable compounds. This discovery could enable the production of value-added products directly from CO2-rich waste streams, reducing emissions while generating economic value.

New study shows linens, not equipment emissions, dominate ultrasound’s carbon footprint

A new JACR study suggests radiology departments should optimize use of linens and disposable supplies to reduce environmental impact and costs. The study found that linens (35%) and other single-use supplies (34%) accounted for most of ultrasound's greenhouse gas emissions.

MIT researchers measure traffic emissions, to the block, in real-time

A new study by MIT researchers provides a high-resolution picture of auto emissions in NYC, allowing for more effective transportation and decarbonization policies. The method produces detailed data that bridges the gap between citywide emissions inventories and individual vehicle analyses.

SwRI supports novel industrial heat production system

The Joule Hive Thermal Battery system can generate and store heat up to 1,800 degrees Celsius using renewable energy sources like solar or wind. The system's thermal energy storage capabilities make it possible for industrial sites to rely on renewable energy sources flexibly.

Thawing permafrost accelerates greenhouse gas release

Research by University of Leeds researchers found that thawing permafrost makes it 25-100 times more permeable, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases. This could lead to a self-reinforcing process, exacerbating climate change.

Viciazites: Efficient carbon capture designer materials that could desorb below 60 oC

Researchers have developed a new class of carbon materials called 'viciazites' that contain carefully controlled configurations of nitrogen groups, enabling low-temperature operation and efficient CO2 capture. The materials outperform untreated carbon fibers in CO2 uptake and desorption at temperatures below 60°C.

Beyond green tech: the real reason digital economies drive down carbon emissions

A spatial analysis of 259 Chinese cities shows that digital transformation drives environmental progress by optimizing broader industrial structures. Governments should focus on upgrading entire industrial ecosystems rather than waiting for isolated technological miracles to solve the carbon crisis.

AMS Science Preview: Mississippi River, ocean carbon storage, gender and floods

Researchers investigated the Mississippi River's hydrological trends, ocean carbon storage, and gender dynamics in flood mortality. A study found that precipitation increases, but soil moisture decreases, while high-resolution models reveal stronger Southern Ocean carbon absorption. Additionally, data showed men are overrepresented in ...

Can artificial intelligence help reduce the carbon footprint of weather forecasting models?

New research published in Weather assesses the energy consumption of AI models and finds that they consume considerable energy during training, but offset this by rapid forecasting ability. AI data-driven models are estimated to consume at least 21 times less energy than traditional models over one-year usage.

Shrinking the carbon footprint of chemical manufacturing with lasers, solar radiation

Researchers at University of Illinois have developed a new method using solar energy to power a key chemical reaction in the textile, plastic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. This method can significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint by eliminating harsh oxidizing byproducts and minimizing carbon emissions.

Large forest fire emissions are hidden underground

A new study by Lund University reveals that large forest fire emissions occur below the ground surface, in peat and organic soils, rather than above-ground. This affects climate impact assessments, as traditional methods risk missing significant carbon releases.

Energy-saving 5G features could cut carbon emissions across the UK economy

Cleaner solar manufacturing could cut global emissions by eight billion tonnes

A new international study found that deploying next-generation solar panels at scale could reduce global carbon emissions by up to 8.2 billion tonnes by 2035. The technology, known as tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) photovoltaics, has lower environmental impacts in fifteen out of sixteen categories compared to the incumbent PE...

Shrinking shellfish? FAU study uncovers acidic water risks in Indian River lagoon

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.

Turning farm waste into climate solutions: Co-pyrolysis of cotton straw and plastic film could cut millions of tons of emissions

Researchers find co-pyrolysis converts agricultural waste into valuable biochar, reducing emissions while improving soil health and sustainability. The process could cut millions of tons of emissions and deliver substantial carbon emission reductions.

Scientists unveil “dissolution barocaloric” cooling, opening new path to zero-carbon refrigeration

Researchers have developed a novel cooling method based on the 'dissolution barocaloric effect,' which offers a promising zero-carbon alternative to traditional refrigeration. The new technology achieves low carbon emissions, high cooling capacity, and high heat transfer efficiency simultaneously.

SEOULTECH researchers reveal strong public support for hydrogen fuel cell trucks

A study by Seoul National University of Science & Technology found that expanding hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 8.74 million tons. Public willingness to pay for this transition amounts to KRW 572.4 billion, far exceeding the prevailing carbon credit price.

Type 2 diabetes prevention could more than halve carbon footprint linked to disease complications

A modelling study suggests that preventing high blood glucose from turning into type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes could result in a 67% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes management could cut CO2 emissions by 21%, adding nearly 2 extra years of life.

Understanding ammonia energy’s tradeoffs around the world

MIT Energy Initiative researchers developed the largest combined dataset on global ammonia supply chains, examining economic and environmental impact of different scenarios. The study found that a full transition to clean ammonia production could cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 71% for a 23.2% cost increase.

Digital modeling reveals where construction carbon emissions really come from

A new study uses digital building models to calculate carbon emissions from material production, transportation, operation, and demolition. The approach demonstrates how targeted reduction strategies can be identified before construction begins, highlighting the importance of local material sourcing and clean heating technologies.

Global aviation emissions could be halved through maximising efficiency gains, new study shows

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.

Dogs’ dinners can have greater climate impact than owners’

The production of ingredients used in dog food contributes around 1% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions, with wet and raw foods associated with substantially higher emissions. Choosing dry food over grain-free or wet options can significantly reduce environmental impact.

Climate change is quietly rewriting the world’s nitrogen cycle, with high stakes for food and the environment

Climate change is altering the global nitrogen cycle, affecting food security, water quality, and biodiversity. The review finds that elevated CO2 boosts plant growth but dilutes protein quality, while rising temperatures reduce yields and increase nitrogen losses.

Power when parked: EVs could help save money, reduce emissions by providing energy to homes

A new study from the University of Michigan and Ford Motor Company suggests that EV owners can save thousands on their energy bills and cut carbon emissions by using their vehicles' batteries to power households. The technology, known as V2H, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from a household's electricity use by 70-250%.

Raw materials from CO

Researchers have created a novel synthetic enzyme that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid, opening up new possibilities for biotechnological production of valuable chemicals and fuels. The enzyme, FAR, tolerates high concentrations of formate and is stable in both living cells and cell-free systems.

Temporary carbon removals can compensate warming from methane emissions

Climate researchers have found that temporary carbon removal projects can effectively neutralize the environmental impact of methane emissions. By using these projects to counteract methane's short-term warming, policymakers can make more informed decisions about how to address global warming.

New approach narrows uncertainty in future warming and remaining carbon budget for 2 °C

A new study improves projection accuracy by combining climate model projections with observational data. The analysis reveals that many models overestimate global warming and refines estimates of the remaining carbon budget, narrowing the uncertainty range from 352-702 billion tons to 251-666 billion tons.

Climate-friendly metals from deep-sea ores

Researchers at Max Planck Institute present efficient and low-CO2 process to extract copper, nickel, and cobalt from deep-sea ore nodules. The method generates significantly less waste and deforestation compared to traditional land-based mining.

Seashells offer low-carbon concrete breakthrough in new study

Researchers at University of East London found that discarded seashells can be transformed into a low-carbon concrete ingredient, reducing carbon emissions by up to 36%. The study suggests a promising opportunity for industry to adopt sustainable cement alternatives.

Tale of two ponds sheds light on high emissions

Researchers found that Texas Hollow Pond emitted more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide as Mud Pond, despite being shallower. The team also discovered nearly twice as much methane bubbling up from Mud Pond's sediments.

Carbon-rich waters are becoming even more acidic as atmospheric CO2 levels rise

A new study reveals that ocean acidification is accelerating at a rate outpacing atmospheric CO2 levels, with the Northeastern Pacific Ocean experiencing rapid acidification. The research analyzed coral skeletons from the past century, showing that CO2 has been accumulating in North American waters faster than in the atmosphere.

UMD researcher helps identify low-cost ways for steel manufacturers to reduce carbon emissions

A University of Maryland researcher has identified cost-effective solutions for the steel industry to reduce its carbon footprint. By implementing changes such as reusing scraps and making energy-efficient upgrades, steel manufacturers can reduce global emissions by 7.2-7.8 gigatons by 2030.

Fossil fuel CO2 emissions hit record high in 2025

The 2025 Global Carbon Budget projects a record high of 38.1 billion tonnes of fossil CO2 emissions, with decarbonisation efforts not enough to offset growing energy demand. Climate change is weakening the land and ocean carbon sinks, reducing the remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

The silent threat to our planet that’s easily solved: Light pollution

New research reveals that artificial light at night silently reshapes the carbon balance of entire continents by increasing ecosystem respiration but not photosynthesis. This has major implications for climate models and global carbon budgets, with potential effects on ecosystems, animal behavior, habitats, and natural patterns.

Carbon footprint of conference travel

Researchers at ISTA quantify the environmental impact of international conference travel, finding that train travel can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The study shows that traveling to an overseas conference generates a substantial carbon footprint of four to five tons per participant.

Geography: Ways to achieve more accurate carbon budgets

A team of researchers from LMU München investigated why CO2 fluxes from land use are uncertain and how they can be estimated more accurately in the future. They found that differences in definitions, data sources, and model assumptions lead to substantial discrepancies and uncertainties.

Long-lived contrails usually form in natural ice clouds

Contrails predominantly form within existing ice clouds, with over 80% of persistent contrails occurring within natural cirrus clouds. This has significant implications for climate impact, as artificial clouds can contribute to warming or cooling depending on their environment.

Tiny ponds in the Andes pack a big climate punch, UNC study finds

Researchers found that small mountain ponds in the Andes can release large amounts of greenhouse gases, contradicting past assumptions. The study's findings highlight the importance of studying small aquatic systems and their impact on global carbon balance.

Dual-energy catalysis open new pathways to carbon recycling

Researchers explore synergetic energy-coupled catalytic systems to overcome barriers in CO2 reduction, enabling more efficient and selective conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. Hybrid systems combine multiple energy inputs, such as light, heat, plasma, and electricity, to activate reactants and catalysts effectively.

Global construction carbon footprint set to double by 2050

The global construction sector's carbon footprint is projected to double by 2050, driven by cement, steel, and brick emissions. A material revolution is needed to reduce reliance on these materials and explore low-carbon alternatives.

Revealing the 'carbon hoofprint' of meat consumption for American cities

Researchers mapped greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing meat for cities across the contiguous US, providing city-specific information to reduce environmental impact. The study found that cutting half of beef consumption can result in similar greenhouse gas savings, and transportation emissions are not a major factor.

Electric power could bring paper mills to net zero emissions October 15, 2025 Joey Pitchford 5-min. read

Researchers found that electric-powered boilers can reduce emissions by up to 61% in pulp and paper mills. The study suggests that the US electrical grid's shift towards clean energy could make this possible. Increasing water removal during pressing resulted in significant energy savings and emissions reductions, while low-carbon alter...

SwRI, 8 Rivers patent more cost-effective, efficient power generation system with liquid oxygen storage

A new power generation system using liquid oxygen storage has been patented by SwRI and 8 Rivers, aiming to make power plants more efficient and cost-effective. The system utilizes fluctuations in energy demand by generating pure oxygen during off-peak hours, which can then be stored and used later when prices are higher.

UK food needs radical transformation on scale not seen since Second World War, new report finds

The UK food system is under pressure due to climate change, global shocks, and poor diets. A new report calls for radical transformation in three key areas: more resilient farming, smarter land use, and healthier diets.

Fossil fuel companies control a mere 1% of renewable energy projects worldwide

A new study reveals that fossil fuel companies are failing to invest in renewables, with only 20% owning an operational project and renewable energy representing just 0.1% of their primary energy extraction.

Sunlight worsens wildfire smoke pollution, study finds

A new study reveals that wildfire smoke particles act like tiny chemical factories under sunlight, generating peroxides and other pollutants. This overlooked chemistry means current models are underestimating the impact of wildfires on air quality and climate.

Steel making could get a makeover

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a new method for producing iron that eliminates CO2 emissions and can be performed at room temperature. The process uses hydrogen gas plasma to strip oxygen from iron ore, producing pure iron and water vapor.

The fattening forest: trees of the Amazon are getting bigger

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.

Broad support amongst U.K. public for additional regulation of advertisments for high-carbon products and services

A UK study found broad support for regulating advertisements for high-carbon products and services, with citizens' jury and large poll results indicating a strong public mandate. The findings suggest policymakers should consider stricter regulations to address climate change concerns.

AI brings perovskite solar cells closer to sustainable commercialization

A team of researchers developed a new manufacturing process using bio-based solvents to reduce the production cost of perovskite solar cells by half and decrease climate impact by over 80%. AI-based reverse engineering technology was used to identify optimal conditions for efficiency and sustainability.

As pesticides and wildfires rise, kids with cancer need resources

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.

New paper links atmosphere and ocean in weathering, carbon dioxide removal

A new study found that land and ocean weathering processes are linked, influencing the amount of carbon stored or released into the atmosphere. The research proposes a continuum approach to studying weathering reactions on both land and in the ocean.

Rising heat waves tied to fossil fuel and cement production

Research by ETH Zurich reveals human-induced climate change has increased extreme heat wave frequency and severity, with fossil fuel and cement production contributing significantly. The study highlights the responsibility of large carbon emitters, such as oil and gas companies, in exacerbating heat waves.

Electric car sharing and smart charging

A study by Empa researchers found that electric car sharing can reduce emissions by up to 82%, but achieving cost savings and low-emission charging simultaneously is rare. The optimal charging strategy would require real-time tariff models, automated systems, and incentives like CO₂ prices.