Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A new copper-based catalyst with added cobalt dopants significantly reduces energy consumption in converting CO₂ to ethylene. The process delivers high ethylene output with over 25% energy efficiency and remains stable over long periods.
A recent MIT study found that decreases in seed-dispersing animals can lead to a major reduction in forest carbon absorption. The researchers analyzed data from thousands of vegetation plots and found that healthy populations of seed-dispersing animals can absorb up to four times more carbon than similar forests with fewer animals.
A new study presents a high-resolution emissions mapping framework for megacities, revealing how carbon responsibility has shifted from centralized producers to distributed end-users. The study highlights key areas for policy intervention and offers actionable insights for targeting reductions where they are most impactful.
The Amazon has experienced a 163% increase in degradation and a 54% decrease in deforestation between 2022 and 2024. This 'negative balance' of biome protection threatens Brazil's international climate commitments, particularly its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 59-67% by 2035.
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.
The US military, the world's single largest consumer of energy and emitter of climate-altering carbon pollution, can significantly reduce its emissions by reducing spending. A new study found that for every 1% increase in military expenditures, there is a corresponding 0.648% increase in energy use.
Researchers at Notre Dame's School of Architecture and the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society developed EcoSphere, an AI-powered platform that visualizes embodied carbon emissions. The tool helps city planners identify strategies to reduce carbon emissions through renovation and extended building life.
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.
A new approach suggests using quasi-experimental methods to estimate project impacts, reducing overestimated emissions reductions and increasing the effectiveness of carbon offsets. This could involve mechanisms like risk sharing along the value chain to overcome implementation hurdles.
New research from the University of Exeter and Manchester finds that the UK's low-carbon transition will boost productivity across the economy as businesses gain from cheaper power and transport. The study warns that this effect depends on energy companies passing on cost savings to consumers, not keeping them as profits.
The New Carbon Economy Consortium brings together experts from universities, national labs, NGOs, and industry leaders to develop a new economy that captures and stores more carbon than it emits. The consortium's vision is based on transforming carbon emissions into valuable resources, such as better chemicals and building materials.
The BONSAI Climate Footprint Analyser helps users understand the climate impact of various products and materials through a free, publicly accessible platform. The tool provides accurate CO₂e values for over 1,000 products across 40 countries, enabling organisations to assess and reduce their climate footprint.
The study finds that investors are increasingly pricing carbon risk, with market participants responding to regulatory signals and growing environmental awareness. This evolution in investor behavior has significant implications for corporate disclosure, capital allocation, and the transition toward sustainable finance.
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...
Researchers found that some AI prompts create up to 50 times more CO2 emissions than others, with reasoning-enabled models producing the most emissions. Users can significantly reduce emissions by prompting AI to generate concise answers or limiting high-capacity model use.
Researchers argue that nature-based solutions like restoring forests and ecosystems are necessary for achieving global climate goals. High-tech CDR methods can complement, not compete with, these natural approaches. A balanced approach is key to meeting the Paris Agreement's temperature goal in a sustainable manner.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano's LCCP have developed a process to transform CO₂ into methane using carefully engineered nickel nanoparticles. The study investigates how the size and shape of nickel nanoparticles influence the rate of carbon dioxide conversion into methane.
A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.
Researchers used satellite data from GOSAT-2 to estimate methane and carbon monoxide emissions in the world's 40 most populous cities. The analysis revealed significant variations between cities, with Beijing emitting approximately 4.3 times more CO per unit of CO2 compared to Tokyo.
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.
Record-breaking wildfires are rapidly transforming forests from carbon sinks to super-emitters due to warming and drought conditions. Planting trees can even increase wildfire risk in some cases.
Scientists at the University of Surrey have developed a breakthrough in eco-friendly batteries that store more energy and capture carbon dioxide. The new lithium-CO₂ 'breathing' batteries use a low-cost catalyst to overcome efficiency issues, potentially leading to widespread adoption and reducing emissions.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to boost the efficiency of electrochemical carbon dioxide capture and release by introducing a simple intermediate step that facilitates both capture and release. The new method uses nanofiltration membranes to separate ions in the solution based on their charge, allowing for more effici...
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.
Researchers have found new organisms that can capture carbon dioxide and clean pollutants from the environment. By exploring extremophiles in homes, scientists can gain insights into their unique characteristics and develop sustainable solutions.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a carbon-free method to extract nickel from low-grade ores in a single step, reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency. The approach enables the use of low-grade nickel ores, which account for 60% of total nickel reserves.
A new energy model reveals a striking similarity in all scenarios: the inevitable transition to renewable energy. However, achieving rapid cuts necessary to meet 1.5°C targets poses a challenge, with a potential 20-30 year gap between demand and supply.
A new study by Dartmouth researchers lays out a scientific framework for tracing specific climate damages back to emissions from individual fossil fuel companies. The framework combines climate modeling with publicly available emissions data to provide robust emissions-based attributions of climate damages at the corporate scale.
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.
New UCLA-led research finds that telemedicine use in 2023 reduced monthly CO2 emissions by the equivalent of 61,000 to 130,000 gas powered vehicles. This modest but noticeable impact on the environment could have policy implications for US healthcare delivery.
Researchers have developed a building material that uses fungal mycelium and bacteria cells, which can self-repair for at least a month. This innovation has the potential to replace conventional building materials with high carbon footprints like cement, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.
Kyushu University's Direct Air Capture and Utilization device captures CO2 from air, allowing it to be reused in daily life. The technology enables small-scale, decentralized carbon capture, making it suitable for densely populated cities like Japan.
New study suggests marine shipping emissions will decrease by 30-40% by 2030 compared to 2008 levels, but may not meet net-zero goal for 2050. The International Maritime Organization has approved new emission reduction policies.
A study by University of Auckland researchers found that electric vehicle (EV) adoption is linked to increased carbon dioxide emissions unless countries clean up their electricity grids. Only when renewable energy sources account for approximately 48% of global electricity generation will EVs contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.
A new study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities, with residents emitting significantly less carbon than the national average yet suffering disproportionately due to historical and systemic inequalities. Social workers are essential in driving society toward a future that reduces dependen...
Researchers at the University of Surrey developed a cost-effective method for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into synthetic fuel. The Dual-Function Material (DFM) process has been shown to be financially competitive with established industry methods, offering a promising route to decarbonize industries.
A study estimated that healthcare travel generates approximately 35.7 megatons of CO2e annually in the US, accounting for about 6% of national healthcare-related emissions. The study found that patient travel in rural areas resulted in higher emissions per trip compared to urban areas
A dynamic framework to measure market power in wholesale electricity markets has been developed by researchers, accounting for start-up costs and other unit-level operating constraints. The study found that rooftop solar penetration increases led to sizable boosts in fossil fuel plant profitability, as competition softened at sunset.
The SwRI H2-ICE2 consortium aims to refine the performance and efficiency of hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. The two-year program will test the vehicle's capabilities under various real-world conditions, with a focus on commercial viability.
Scientists have identified critical gaps in existing monitoring systems and proposed technological advancements to improve global carbon stocktake accuracy. Next-generation satellites with enhanced precision and spatial resolution could revolutionize carbon emission tracking, enabling countries to better meet their climate commitments.
A new study published in Climate Policy highlights the significant cost disparity between household electricity and e-fuel for long-distance mobility. The research shows that the wealthiest 1% of EU citizens are responsible for 66% of air travel, while the majority emit less than 0.1 ton of CO2 equivalent emissions per year.
Researchers developed a recycling process for cement waste into a low-carbon, high-strength material that can replace traditional Portland cement. The new cement blend reduces carbon intensity and enables new uses for construction and demolition waste.
Shrinking Andean glaciers pose a significant threat to the water supplies of 90 million people, with thinning rates 35% faster than the global average. Effective management of water resources and drastic reduction in carbon emissions are crucial to mitigate this impact.
An international team of glacier scientists has formed the Glacier Stewardship Program to address the challenges of glacier loss. The program aims to explore new technical approaches, mitigate impacts on communities, and establish a biobank to save glacier biodiversity.
The regulations could roughly double emissions reductions from the power sector in 2040, falling 51% from 2022 levels if maintained, compared to 26% without the rules. The vast majority of reductions would come from accelerating coal-fired plant retirements.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated the environmental benefits of turning CO₂ emissions into key chemical ingredients for essential consumer goods. The study found that waste CO₂ can be part of the solution rather than the problem, reducing GWP by around 82% for paper mill emissions.
New research from the University of Kansas found that completing a greenhouse gas emission inventory indeed moves the needle toward mitigation, with cities reducing their CO2 emissions by about 22 fewer pounds per capita. The addition of sustainability staff did not show a statistically significant reduction.
Wealthy individuals, despite being major contributors to global emissions, possess three positive climate capabilities: investing in green technologies, knowledge about climate change, and social influence. Researchers suggest harnessing their potential to accelerate the UK's transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
Researchers from the University of Michigan found that line drying clothes could save households up to $2,100 in energy costs over their lifetime. The study also highlighted the importance of behavioral changes, such as running dryers during off-peak hours, and the varying emissions due to different regions' energy sources.
Countries are urged to update their National Determined Contribution plans to address plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The team suggests specific goals, such as cutting plastic production and incentivizing sustainable manufacturing.
A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that hotels can significantly reduce their environmental impact by prioritizing vegetarian and plant-based options on restaurant menus. By strategically framing these dishes as first choices, hotels can guide guests toward more sustainable food choices.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that Japan's concrete structures, including buildings and infrastructure, absorb around 14% of the CO2 emissions generated during cement production. This process, known as carbonation, enables concrete to function as a carbon sink, even though it absorbs less CO2 than forests.
A new study led by Colorado State University found that agricultural nitrogen fertilizer is the primary cause of seasonal carbon cycle swings. This discovery adds to scientific understanding of the carbon cycle and could help inform climate change mitigation strategies.
A new study finds that countries with large economic and political disparities have lower emissions than more democratic nations. Increased consumption leads to higher emissions in societies with greater equality. Technological changes are needed to mitigate climate issues.
Charité has reduced annual CO2 emissions from anesthesia by over 80% since 2018 by switching to more environmentally friendly anesthetics. The hospital's efforts have resulted in significant savings and no medical drawbacks for patients.
A study by Florida Atlantic University investigated how removing dead wood could reduce wildfire risks and enhance carbon storage. The research found that combining physical harvesting with thinning significantly reduced wildfire risks, while lowering carbon emissions and offering carbon sequestration through products like biochar.
A new study from USC Dornsife finds that LA's urban greenery absorbs up to 60% of daytime fossil fuel CO2 emissions in spring and summer, providing valuable insights into the impact of trees on air quality. The research provides data-driven insights for future planting efforts and informs the USC Urban Trees Initiative.
Researchers at Tulane University have found a more efficient method for producing ethylene oxide using silver catalysts with nickel additions, eliminating the need for toxic chlorine. This breakthrough could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve production safety.