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Extreme heat exposure worsens child malnutrition

A study of over 32,000 West African children found that extreme heat exposure increases the prevalence of stunted growth from chronic malnutrition by 12% and of low weight from acute malnutrition by 29%. The researchers estimate that rising temperatures could nearly double the effect of heat exposure on stunting.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJul 25, 2022

Nonthermal plasma-promoted CO2 hydrogenation in presence of alloy catalysts

Researchers from Tokyo Tech investigated nonthermal plasma-promoted CO2 hydrogenation on Pd2Ga/SiO2 catalysts, revealing a more than two-fold increase in CO2 conversion compared to thermal methods. The study provides mechanistic insights into the NTP-activated species and metallic catalyst interaction.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2022

Just 10 financial actors hold the key to climate change

A new report identifies the top 10 financial actors influencing the fossil fuel economy and outlines their decisive role in helping de-carbonize our future. The study suggests that these influential actors, including investment advisors and governments, can make transformative changes to reduce fossil fuel production.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalEnvironmental Innovation and Societal Transitions·DateJul 21, 2022

To reduce carbon, colleges should target purchasing, travel

Research analyzed Cornell University's greenhouse gas consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that 60% of emissions came from off-campus activities. The study provides a framework for universities to reduce carbon footprint and achieve climate goals, with Cornell aiming to reach carbon neutrality by 2035.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJul 6, 2022

Unchecked emissions could double heat-related child mortality

A new study published in Environmental Research Letters estimates that thousands of heat-related child deaths could be prevented if temperature increases are limited to the Paris Agreement's 1.5ºC target through to 2050. Under a high emission scenario, heat-related child mortality is projected to double by 2049 compared to 2005-2014.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 5, 2022

Pioneering recycling turns mixed waste into premium plastics with no climate impact

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a thermochemical recycling method that produces gas containing carbon atoms from mixed waste, which can be used to create new plastic products. The process eliminates the need for fossil raw materials and achieves negative emissions.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022

Agriculture emissions pose risks to health and climate

A study by Rice University finds that agricultural nitrogen emissions cause substantial damage to air quality, human health, and the climate. The researchers quantified emissions from fertilized soils over three years and found that ammonia had a much larger impact on damages than nitrogen oxides and nitrous oxide.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 21, 2022

Companies’ use of renewable energy certificates masks inaction on carbon emissions, Concordia research finds

A study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that companies purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) are overstating their climate mitigation claims. The researchers found that firms reported a 31% reduction in emissions, but the actual drop was only 10%, three times lower.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2022

Six leading models agree: Rapid decarbonization of power, transportation sectors key to a successful energy transition

A new study provides a roadmap for the US to reach its 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2030, with rapid decarbonization in power and transportation sectors crucial. The study, based on six leading energy models, suggests that tripling historic carbon reductions is achievable through collaboration across all sectors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2022

Human-made iron inputs to the Southern Ocean ten times higher than previously estimated

A recent study led by Nagoya University found that human-made iron in the Southern Ocean may be up to ten times higher than previously thought, with a 60% contribution from fossil fuel combustion. This could lead to decreased photosynthesis and increased CO2 levels, exacerbating global warming.

SourceNagoya University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 22, 2022

Graphene-wrapped zeolite membranes for fast hydrogen separation

Researchers have developed a new type of separation membrane that can separate hydrogen from methane at speeds 100 times faster than conventional membranes. The graphene-wrapped zeolite membrane achieves a high separation factor of 245, making it suitable for energy-saving separation technologies in various industries.

SourceShinshu University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Cutting air pollution emissions would save 50,000 US lives, $600 billion each year

A new study by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers suggests that eliminating air pollution emissions from energy-related activities in the United States would prevent over 50,000 premature deaths each year. The study also found that this action could provide more than $600 billion in benefits annually from avoided illness and d...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGeoHealth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2022

Lights, catalyst, reaction! Converting CO2 to formic acid using an alumina-supported, iron-based compound

Researchers from Tokyo Tech developed an alumina-supported iron-based catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid with up to 90% selectivity. The new catalyst's excellent recyclability and low-cost nature make it a promising candidate for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and providing energy via combustion.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Climate change increases risks of tree death

A new study finds that climate change is projected to increase the risks of tree death in US forests by 4-14 times by 2099, depending on carbon emissions scenarios. Human actions to tackle climate change can significantly reduce these risks.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 12, 2022

Adopting low-carbon energy can reduce racial disparities in air pollution

Research published in Science of the Total Environment found that adopting low-carbon fuels could reduce racial disparities in exposure to fine and ultrafine particle pollution by 20-40% in California by 2050. This would lead to improved air quality, reduced deaths, and estimated annual public health benefits of $20 billion.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 12, 2022

Restaurant menu design could impact carbon footprint of dining

A study exploring restaurant menu design found that adding carbon labels and setting default options to low-emission dishes encourages diners to choose more environmentally friendly options. The findings suggest a promising strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of dining, but further research is needed to inform such strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022

Menus for climate-friendly food choices

Scientists found that colour-coded CO2 labels and changed default options on restaurant menus nudged guests to more climate-friendly dish choices, resulting in an average of 300g less CO2 per meal. Participants chose veggie burgers more often when presented as standard options.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSurvey·DateMay 11, 2022

Emissions tied to the international trade of agricultural goods are rising

A UCI-led study shows that the global trade of agricultural goods is driving a growth in greenhouse gas emissions in less-developed nations, with land-use change contributing three-quarters of these emissions. The study highlights the need for importers to adopt 'buy clean' policies and for regions to improve supply chain transparency.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 6, 2022

Massive carbon emission caused marine anoxia and biodiversity loss 304 million years ago

A recent study reveals that massive carbon emission during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age led to anoxic areal extent equivalent to 20% of the seafloor and significant biodiversity loss. The research team used geochemical signals, sedimentology, and climate modeling to simulate the effects of a 300,000-year warming event.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 5, 2022

Fungi-based meat alternatives to help save Earth’s forests

A new analysis by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that substituting 20% of meat from cattle with microbial protein could halve deforestation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Microbial protein can be produced in fermentation tanks, reducing pressure on land and methane emissions.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 4, 2022

New study could help reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions

Agricultural nitrous oxide emissions are estimated to be 300 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. The new knowledge-guided machine learning model, KGML-ag, is 1,000 times faster and more accurate than current systems, providing a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalGeoscientific Model Development·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2022

Wildfires in US, Canadian boreal forests could release sizable amount of remaining global carbon budget

A new study published by the Union of Concerned Scientists warns that wildfires in US and Canadian boreal forests between now and 2050 could release about 12 gigatons of net carbon emissions, equivalent to 3% of the remaining global carbon budget. This could jeopardize nations' ability to limit warming in line with the Paris Agreement.

SourceUnion of Concerned Scientists·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 27, 2022