Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have developed a system to convert captured carbon dioxide into industrial-grade ethylene, a crucial commodity in plastics, textiles, and construction. The innovation reduces energy costs by 0.8 gigajoules per metric ton compared to existing electrolysis systems.
The study reveals that subtropical regions have the lowest carbon footprint, while temperate and tropical regions face greater challenges. Practical strategies like recycling crop waste and using a mix of synthetic and organic fertilizers can slash emissions without sacrificing yield.
A comprehensive study assesses decarbonization's ramifications on global poverty and inequality, revealing the potential for redistributing domestic carbon revenues to alleviate poverty. However, careful policy design and international cooperation are crucial to address social development issues in developing countries.
A new study uses a threshold approach to analyze the impact of trade openness on carbon emissions in selected Asian countries. The research reveals key findings that can inform policy strategies to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Researchers found that deforestation is responsible for a significant reduction in rainfall and increase in temperature in the Amazon during the dry season. The study quantifies the impact of forest loss and global climate change on the biome, highlighting the importance of preserving standing forests to maintain climate resilience.
The open-source AI model accurately maps building carbon emissions across multiple cities, identifying key factors that influence energy use, including urban form, planning history, and income levels. The research highlights the need for place-based strategies to reduce emissions from lower-income communities.
A study by UKCEH found that ash dieback results in significant greenhouse gas emissions due to soil carbon losses. The research estimated 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over five years, equivalent to half the amount removed by broadleaf woodlands annually.
Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.
Research from UBCO reveals that Canadian-grown wheat, canola, and peas have significantly lower carbon footprints due to conservation tillage and soil storage. These practices help soils act as carbon sinks rather than sources, resulting in lower emissions.
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.
An international team of earth scientists proposes a new framework to understand the factors influencing CO2 removal, revealing their complex interactions and potential for enhanced weathering techniques. This integrated approach aims to enhance natural carbon storage, helping achieve Paris Agreement targets.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing solar power generation in the US by 15% could lead to significant cuts in CO2 emissions. The researchers pinpointed regions where clean energy investments return the greatest climate dividends and demonstrated the value of coordinated clean energy efforts.
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.