Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A new study suggests that aviation's contribution to cutting climate change will be small, even with emission targets in line with the Paris Agreement. Researchers warn that non-CO2 effects, such as nitrogen oxides and ozone, will continue to make a major contribution to aviation's climate impact over the coming years.
University of Delaware researchers are developing a system to produce bioenergy from microbes that convert carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. The team aims to refine the technology to produce desirable metabolites and consume less useful ones, paving the way for sustainable production of chemicals and fuels.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removals could lead to different climate outcomes. Researchers found that a larger amount of CO2 removal is required to compensate for a given amount of CO2 emissions to maintain unchanged atmospheric CO2 concentration.
A green transition roadmap for emissions-reducing technologies could achieve net negative emissions through optimized fertilizer application, low-emission alternatives, and system redesign. This plan aims to generate environmental benefits while fulfilling societal functions in row crop agriculture.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have created a photocatalyst that efficiently uses visible light from the sun to decompose CO2. The breakthrough uses single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve electron transfer pathways and synthesis processes, enabling large-scale manufacturing.
Scientists developed a new copper catalyst with sharp needle structures, enhancing CO2 reduction reaction efficiency by mitigating electrolyte flooding and increasing selectivity. The study published in Journal of the American Chemical Society showcases the stability and productivity of the hierarchical Cu electrode.
A proposed project aims to detect seismic faults and fractures using 3D imaging to reduce the risk of injecting carbon dioxide. By imaging small-scale fractures, it's possible to estimate fluid leakage pathways.
A study on carbon dioxide emissions downstream of the Kariba Dam in Zambia reveals highly variable emissions, influenced by seasonal and hourly changes. Failing to account for these variations could lead to biased estimates of tropical reservoir emissions.
A new study suggests that deep decarbonization by 2050 is currently not plausible, highlighting the need for more ambitious climate action. The Hamburg Climate Futures Outlook examines social drivers and technological advancements to determine which climate futures are possible.
A team of Monash University scientists has discovered a new process based on phosphonium salts to produce green ammonia from renewable energy. The process represents a major contribution towards the development of a sustainable fuel for the future, with potential applications in fertiliser production and as an energy carrier.
A new global analysis reveals that greenhouse-gas emissions from food systems have long been systematically underestimated, with the equivalent of 16 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide produced in 2018. The study highlights the need for integrating research with efforts to reduce emissions and emphasizes the importance of considerin...
A team from University of Arizona observes radio emissions from hydrogen cyanide, formyl ion, and carbon monoxide in five planetary nebulae, outlining their shapes for the first time. The findings support the idea that planetary nebulae seed the interstellar medium with molecules that form new stars and planets.
A new study found that climate warming will increase carbon loss in Canadian peatland by 103 per cent due to changes in soil temperature and photosynthesis. This will lead to a strong positive climate feedback loop, where peatlands release greenhouse gases contributing to further climate warming.
Scientists used CO2 sensors to track changes in urban emissions, detecting a 33% reduction in Los Angeles and 34% in the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region. The study shows top-down methods can produce reliable emissions estimates, giving cities an important new tool to reduce emissions.
Researchers investigate storage of CO2-N2-O2 mixtures in geological formations, suggesting environmentally safe and economically viable approach to remove carbon from atmosphere. Direct air capture technology enables carbon capture anywhere, reducing transportation costs and improving social acceptance.
Historical carbon emissions from cultivated northern peatlands are estimated to be around 72 billion tons over 850-2010. The study reveals that only about half of the emitted carbon was compensated by natural peatland carbon absorption.
Global clean energy technology adoption is growing at a rapid pace, particularly in niche markets like Norway and California for electric vehicles, Ireland for wind power, and China for electric buses and new nuclear. These pioneers are crucial to addressing climate change by developing and deploying low-carbon technologies.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new electrochemical system that converts more than 50% of CO2 into valuable products. The system runs under acidic conditions, which reduces undesired side reactions and enhances efficiency, making it an economically viable solution for carbon capture and utilization.
Researchers developed an electrochemical system that converts a greater amount of CO2 into valuable products. The system utilizes captured carbon, water, and electricity to create high-value products like ethylene, with over 70% of CO2 being converted.
Researchers at NYU Tandon have developed a method to speed up the doping process of perovskite solar cells using carbon dioxide, increasing efficiency by 100 times. This process also captures CO2, making it a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in commercial solar cell production.
A new study reveals that global water reservoirs emit around 29% more greenhouse gases than previously thought, primarily due to methane degassing. Practical measures can be taken to reduce this impact, such as selectively withdrawing water from near the surface.
Researchers analyzed conversion factors of methane into CO2 equivalent, finding a dynamic approach to reduce economic cost while maintaining stability. The study suggests adapting conversion factors to future pathways to implement cheapest options, potentially avoiding additional mitigation costs up to 5% in high overshoot scenarios.
Researchers have developed a novel nitrogen-doped dual-emission carbon dot as an effective fluorescent probe for ratiometric detection of dopamine. The new probe simplifies the detection process, reducing the need for complex nanomaterial combinations.
IIASA researchers have proposed a novel systematic scenario framework to help policymakers assess and compare climate policies across countries. The framework allows for exploration of multiple systematic scenarios associated with emissions reductions in 2050, providing a flexible approach to assessing national long-term pathways.
A ban on new fossil-fuel car sales could lead to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, but the effect will depend on factors like battery manufacturing. By 2045, electric cars can reduce life-cycle emissions by 3-5 million tonnes of CO2.
The study highlights the need for better understanding of terms, rules, and procedures used in GHG emission inventories. Research communities must provide methodological guidance to improve countries' GHG inventories, while also benefiting from their data.
Researchers estimate that restoring all global agricultural peatlands could cut 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to one per cent of global GHG emissions. Raising peatland water levels could allow farmers to reduce climate impact while extending soil usage.
A new study finds that emission intensity per unit of animal protein produced from the livestock sector has decreased globally over the past two decades due to greater production efficiency. However, regional differences in emission intensities remain and are influenced by factors such as diet, grazing intensity, climate, and manure ma...
Construction firm Nationwide Engineering has made history by pouring the world's first sustainable graphene concrete slab in a commercial setting. The innovative material is strengthened by 30% compared to standard concrete, significantly reducing material use and carbon footprint.
The UK is investing £30 million in five large-scale greenhouse gas removal projects, including peatland management and biochar use, to complement emission reductions. The projects will assess the effectiveness and scalability of innovative methods to remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
By achieving carbon neutrality, China can reduce PM2.5 concentrations from over 10 μg/m3 to around 8 μg/m3, meeting national air quality standards.
Research from Harvard University suggests that solar geoengineering may be surprisingly effective in alleviating some of the worst impacts of global warming on crops. The study found that all three potential methods have a strong cooling effect benefiting crop yields.
Carbon farming is gaining traction as a method to sequester carbon emissions and replenish soil nutrients, benefiting farmers and the environment. Companies are providing incentives for sustainable practices like low-till farming and planting cover crops.
A study reveals that fly ash accounts for 37-72% of fossilized particulate organic carbon flux in the Yangtze River basin. The results suggest anthropogenic carbon cycling can match the pace of geological cycles through various mechanisms.
A study highlights the significant impact of permafrost thaw on carbon emissions and climate goals. The authors warn that permafrost thaw is expected to increase as temperatures rise, potentially exacerbating global warming beyond the 2°C limit.
A new paper suggests that current carbon budgets fail to account for permafrost thawing and Arctic feedback loops, exacerbating warming and potentially triggering an exponential increase in emissions. Global leaders are urged to incorporate the latest science into climate models and update risk assessments to meet climate goals.
Only a few hundred climate scenarios avoid significantly overshooting the 1.5°C limit, according to a new study. All realistic scenarios require significant emission reductions and rely on multiple mitigation levers, including carbon removal and land use changes. The window for meeting the target is rapidly closing.
New research by Aalto University warns that climate change could push a third of global food production out of safe climatic space if greenhouse gas emissions continue growing unchecked. The study assesses the impact of climate change on crop production and livestock, highlighting regions most vulnerable to changes.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that standing dead trees in coastal wetland forests, known as ghost forests, emit significant greenhouse gases. The study, published in Biogeochemistry, reveals that snags increase overall ecosystem GHG emissions by about 25%.
A team of researchers aims to increase microorganism's ability to convert CO2 into methane for efficient production of sustainable fuel. The ReMeSh project will examine bio-electrochemical systems and accelerate electron transfer to microbes.
Researchers evaluated CO2 levels and ventilation rates in dental operatories, finding that CO2 levels can be measured with a simple consumer-grade CO2 sensor. They also demonstrated that ventilation rates can be assessed by observing CO2 levels after mixing baking soda and vinegar.
A new paper found that cleaning local lakes and waterbodies can slow climate change and save trillions of dollars by reducing methane emissions. The study estimated the costs of global climate change due to eutrophication from 2015 to 2050 to be as much as $81 trillion.
A global study suggests that coral reefs will experience significant declines in calcium carbonate production under projected climate scenarios. The models predict that 63% of reefs will continue to grow by 2100 under RCP2.6, but 94% will be eroding by 2050 under RCP8.5.
Research from San Diego State University models show that high microbial fluctuations in soil lead to higher carbon emissions. By reducing fluctuation, land stewards can lower emissions and sustain soil fertility.
Despite significant changes in consumption patterns, Japanese households maintained their normal levels of greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that while some emissions decreased, others increased, but overall, the carbon footprint remained within a similar range as previous years.
Federated learning, a new approach to training AI models, is found to have a significantly greener impact than traditional methods. By distributing training across multiple devices, the energy consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced. This method has important privacy benefits as well, keeping data local and secure.
Researchers warn that hydrogen-based fuels are not a straightforward solution for climate targets, as they come with significant costs and energy losses. Direct electrification alternatives are often more economic and efficient.
A Rutgers coauthored study suggests catastrophic sea-level rise from Antarctic melting may occur if global warming exceeds 2 degrees Celsius, triggering rapid ice-sheet retreat and collapse. The risk of such an event is lower if the Paris Agreement's target is met.
Researchers at ETH Zurich calculate that waste incineration plants in Europe have a significant potential for negative emissions through bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). If fully exploited, BECCS could reduce European CO2 emissions by 200 million tonnes per year.
A new study has reduced the Southern Ocean's CO2 uptake uncertainty by 50% using a novel method that constrains the ocean's carbon sink. The approach links human-made CO2 uptake to surface water salinity, allowing for more accurate projections of future climate change.
A new EU climate target of cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 will dramatically speed up the decarbonization of Europe's power sector, leading to a significant phaseout of coal power. Renewable energies are expected to contribute nearly three-quarters of power generation in 2030 and reach zero emissions in the power sector by 2040.
A study by Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers found that China's efforts to achieve a 1.5°C warming limit require significant reductions in carbon and non-carbon emissions, with substantial declines in energy consumption and fossil fuel use. The study also highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources.
A study by Penn State researchers suggests that dairy farmers can reduce nitrous oxide emissions from corn crops by applying manure after planting and using organic nitrogen amendments. The results show that this approach can lower total nitrogen application and mitigate climate change, while also protecting water quality.
A new analysis suggests China needs to reduce carbon emissions by over 90% and energy consumption by almost 40% to achieve the 1.5°C target, with industry being the main emission contributor. The study also highlights the need for more research on economic consequences of working towards this goal.
Raising water levels in agricultural peatlands can mitigate climate change by reducing CO2 emissions. Halving drainage depths could cut emissions by 1% of all global GHG emissions, equivalent to 500 million tons of CO2 annually.
Versogen, a UD spinoff company, has developed patented membrane technology to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale using a new class of low-cost electrolyzer technology. This technology aims to decarbonize heavy industries and reduce industrial carbon emissions in an environmentally responsible way.
A new study reveals that ocean oxygen depletion will continue for centuries if all CO2 emissions were stopped immediately, more than quadrupling the current loss. The long-term decrease in oxygen primarily affects deeper layers, leading to major shifts in marine ecosystems and potentially changing habitats.
Researchers propose a dynamic, long-term carbon price pathway to minimize governance and sustainability concerns. The approach aims to balance emissions reduction with economic viability, reducing the need for excessive CO2 removal technologies.
A study using airborne laser scanning found that water stress, soil fertility, and anthropic forest degradation contribute to tree mortality in the Amazon. The researchers mapped gaps in the forest using LiDAR data, which showed a significant correlation with field mortality patterns.
Research finds a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from Chinese inland waters over the past three decades, primarily driven by environmental alterations. The study suggests that ignoring these emissions will result in overestimating China's terrestrial carbon sink capability.