Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
Researchers explore the conundrum of reducing carbon footprint while increasing sales, proposing three steps: calculate a carbon footprint, decrease footprint and increase price, and be proactive with product design. Measuring climate impact is crucial for organizations to become 'net zero'.
Researchers found that high CO2 concentrations in water make fish grow smaller, with a growth deficit of between five and ten percent. Fish living at less ideal temperatures and more CO2 experienced greater reductions in growth.
Researchers report that RCP8.5 agrees with historical carbon dioxide emissions to within 1%, suggesting its continued use in climate assessments. The scenario is consistent with expected outcomes of current and announced policies through 2050, indicating its value for climate planning.
The RCP 8.5 scenario is the most appropriate for assessing climate change impacts by 2050 due to its close agreement with historical emissions and current policies. This scenario tracks within 1% of actual emissions, making it a useful tool for informing societal decisions on climate issues.
A new study by Columbia University researchers found that RGGI successfully reduced PM2.5 emissions and improved children's health between 2009-2014, avoiding 537 asthma cases, 112 preterm births, 98 ASD cases, and 56 low birthweight cases. The initiative also generated economic savings of $191-$350 million.
A team led by Pitt professor Katherine Hornbostel is developing a hybrid plant that captures more carbon than it produces, making it carbon negative. The system integrates natural gas with two carbon capture technologies to achieve high CO2 removal rates during both normal operations and off-peak hours.
A new paper reveals the mechanism behind sorbent materials' ability to capture and release carbon dioxide from the air. The study's findings could lead to smarter design of sorbent materials at the heart of all carbon removal systems.
A new study analyzed China's national network of air monitoring stations and found that nitrogen dioxide concentrations dropped by 27% on average, while particulate matter (PM2.5) saw a modest reduction of 11%. Ozone pollution showed little change despite the lockdown.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a new method to capture carbon dioxide from power plant flue emissions using tetraamine-modified MOFs. The technique showed a six times greater capacity for removing CO2 than current technology and was highly selective, capturing over 90% of the emitted CO2.
International analysis narrows range of climate's sensitivity to CO2, suggesting a likely warming of 2.3-4.5°C with doubled atmospheric carbon dioxide. The study, commissioned by the World Climate Research Programme, uses temperature records, paleoclimate data, and detailed models to converge on the best estimate of climate sensitivity.
Research at Umea University reveals that plant roots can cause the emission of 40 billion tonnes of carbon from permafrost by 2100 through the priming effect. This increase is significant enough to account for almost a quarter of the remaining 'carbon budget' for limiting global warming.
A Rutgers University study suggests geoengineering could reduce global warming's most dangerous effects if carbon emissions are drastically reduced. The technology involves creating sulfuric acid clouds to block solar radiation.
A new University of Michigan study estimates that wealthy American homes generate about 25% more greenhouse gases than lower-income residences, mainly due to their larger size. The researchers used data from over 93 million American homes to create nationwide rankings by state and zip code.
A study reveals that high-income neighborhoods emit significantly more GHGs for energy use due to larger homes and less dense communities. To achieve the Paris Agreement target, the authors suggest reducing floor spaces and increasing community density in low-carbon neighborhoods.
A recent study by Argonne National Laboratory quantified how farms can reduce emissions by changing their practices and adopting novel technologies. Sustainable farming professionals can implement lower carbon footprint practices, such as conservation tillage and cover crops, to improve farm efficiency and help the environment.
Most dietary guidelines are not compatible with global health and environmental targets, finds an analysis published by The BMJ. Reforming national dietary guidelines could prevent deaths from chronic diseases and cut greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study.
Methane levels have surged globally, primarily driven by coal mining, oil and gas production, and cattle farming. The potent greenhouse gas poses a significant threat, with potential consequences including wildfires, droughts, and social disruptions.
Scientists at Kyushu University created composite membranes with ultrathin layers that selectively separate CO2 from nitrogen, thanks to the molecularly thin interface formed between polymers. The discovery opens a new area for designing more efficient membranes for industrial CO2 capture applications.
A UCLA research team has received a two-year, $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support development of a process that can convert carbon dioxide emissions into construction materials. The technology captures CO2 directly from raw flue gas, reducing emissions and using less traditional cement.
A new study suggests that vehicle electrification has substantial potential to reduce both climate change and air pollution damages. However, a clean electricity grid is crucial for a sustainable transportation future.
Researchers have developed a novel fluorinated gas membrane material that exceeds the Robeson upper limit, surpassing current bottlenecks in selectivity and permeability. This breakthrough enhances carbon-capture performance in real environments, offering a promising solution for reducing industrial carbon emissions.
A new study found that Drax power station in North Yorkshire is the optimal site for bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) facilities. The research also suggests that smaller BECCS power plants are more beneficial to the environment, as larger ones can have negative impacts on soil sequestration and flood protection.
A $20 toll for cars and taxis entering Manhattan's central business district could decrease gridlock by up to 40%, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. The study found that this measure would lead to a significant reduction in air pollution, including particulate matter linked to poor health.
The COVID-19 pandemic may slow down the transition to cleaner technologies due to reduced investments in clean energy innovation. This could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, governments can respond by incorporating green components into stimulus packages and investing in renewable energy.
A recent study found that seasonal sea ice growth and destruction increased biological productivity in the Southern Ocean, extracting carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in the deep ocean. This process helps explain a long-standing question about a 1,900-year pause in CO2 growth during the Antarctic Cold Reversal.
A new IIASA-led study suggests that matching-commitment agreements can incentivize countries to cooperate in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, potentially leading to a more effective international climate agreement. The research results indicate that such an agreement can successfully divert countries from a rational outcome to a new ...
A study found that droughts can increase power costs and pollution linked to hydropower losses, even with increased renewable energy. The analysis of the 2012-2016 California drought revealed a moderate impact on electricity prices but also highlighted the importance of flexible generation sources during drought years.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new CO2 capture technology that conserves energy used to capture carbon dioxide from facilities like thermal power plants. The H2 stripping regeneration technology replaces combustion exhaust gas with CO2/H2 gas at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption by up to 99%.
Scientists warn that forests can be risky climate investments due to risks from climate change, including droughts, wildfires, and insect damage. This paper highlights the need for a better understanding of these risks to optimize forest investments and minimize carbon storage loss.
Researchers found that mangroves will likely stop growing vertically and instead encroach inland if sea levels rise above 6mm per year. Mangroves play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and protecting people from flooding, making it essential to adopt coastal management measures to protect these ecosystems.
Researchers at MIT suggest that making pavements stiffer could improve truck fuel efficiency by reducing deflection and wear on the road. Adding synthetic fibers or adjusting aggregate sizing can increase stiffness, while switching to concrete pavements offers more durable solutions with equal or lower costs.
A new study estimates that producing food to fuel walking and cycling leads to non-negligible greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers suggest reducing meat consumption and shifting towards plant-based diets can significantly lower these emissions, with potential reductions of up to 80%.
A new study reveals that focusing on both climate change and air pollution can lead to more effective upgrades in the US electricity system. In a county-by-county approach, researchers found that prioritizing health concerns in policies can alter optimal locations for cleaner technologies.
The regional coupled C-N-H2O cycle involves regional transport and transformation processes, biogeochemical C-N-H2O processes, and interactions between elements at the terrestrial-atmosphere and terrestrial-freshwater interfaces. Climate change impacts the cycle by driving nutrient cycling, primary productivity, and abiotic processes.
The COVID-19 pandemic's economic recovery will significantly impact global warming, with stimulus dollars spent on fossil fuels or clean energy having a lasting effect. Governments must prioritize a green recovery, investing in sectors like renewables and energy efficiency to create jobs and reduce emissions.
A new study emphasizes the need for international cooperation on CO2 removal to meet Paris Agreement targets. Countries must allocate quotas fairly and consider trading with countries that can fulfill their obligations, as only a handful can do so alone.
A new smart parking software developed at Cornell University reduces congestion and emissions by matching drivers with parking spots based on travel time. The system has been shown to decrease the amount of time spent looking for parking by an estimated 64% compared to other strategies.
According to the study, mangroves will not survive rising sea levels if global carbon emissions are not reduced. Mangroves can survive with rates of sea-level rise under 5mm per year but will stop growing at this pace if rates exceed 6mm/year.
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a new design for bridge girders that uses topology optimization to minimize steel use while maintaining strength. The design could lead to weight reductions of up to 28% and corresponding CO2 emissions savings of up to 20%.
A new study suggests that the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide will slow down as global emissions decrease, due to the slowed growth rate of atmospheric CO2. This could lead to a decrease in ocean carbon uptake and an increase in atmospheric CO2, contributing to additional warming.
Researchers from Monash University and CSIRO have developed a magnetized Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) nanocomposite that captures carbon dioxide with remarkable speed and low energy cost. This technology is 45% more efficient than commercially deployed materials, making it a promising solution for emissions reduction and renewable e...
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory launch three new projects to quantify and reduce the carbon intensity of agriculture. The projects aim to increase yield while decreasing emissions, making biofuel production more sustainable and profitable for farmers.
Researchers estimate US fossil fuel CO2 emissions using atmospheric 14C measurements, finding higher emission rates compared to widely used inventories. The study suggests that independent validation of inventory-based estimates is possible through carbon isotope measurements.
Researchers estimate national fossil-fuel-derived CO2 emissions by observing carbon-14 in air samples. The new method uses a model of atmospheric transport to disentangle CO2 variations from natural sources, providing an independent and objective estimate.
The study found that NAU's Vulcan Project emissions estimate is the closest match to the new atmospheric-based approach, with an accuracy of 1.5%. The integrated approach combines multiple data sources, including local pollution reporting and fuel statistics, to provide a more detailed and accurate picture of US fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a synthetic molecule that mimics natural antifreeze proteins, minimizing freeze-thaw damage and increasing the strength of concrete. This new method challenges conventional approaches and has the potential to reduce costs and decrease carbon emissions.
Research by University of California, Davis professor Paul Griffin suggests a positive relation between Canadian firms' market value and their greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to early adoption of protocols and national policies offsetting climate impacts on the economy.
Scientists measured a significant reduction in CO2 emissions in London during the pandemic, with daily reductions mirroring decreases in traffic flow. The lockdown's impact on air quality and potential changes in behaviors post-lockdown are also being studied.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 17% decrease in global carbon emissions during peak lockdowns, with surface transport and industry being the main contributors. However, social responses alone may not drive deep and sustained reductions needed to reach net-zero emissions without structural changes.
A new study suggests that aggressive carbon taxation in the US could help meet its Paris Agreement targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research found that only limited opportunities for decarbonization exist outside of the electricity sector, but significant revenue can be generated from carbon taxes.
Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel sources reached a maximum daily decline of 17 per cent in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease was primarily driven by a 36 per cent drop in surface transport emissions, equivalent to 7.5 megatonnes CO2.
A new study by Stanford University scientist Rob Jackson found that daily carbon dioxide emissions have dropped by as much as 17 percent globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study estimates an impact on annual emissions of 4 to 7 percent, the biggest drop since World War II.
The EU's ambitious climate goals may lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions worldwide if non-EU countries don't adopt similar strategies. The EU-Calc model forecasts a CO2 leakage of 61.5%, resulting in an increase of 615 kilos of CO2 for every tonne of emissions avoided by the EU.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology found that emissions from road construction could be halved using today's technology, including transport optimisation, recycling and reuse of excavation masses, material efficiency and design optimisation. The study also highlights the importance of replacing cement clinker as a binde...
New research from China provides detailed GHG emission estimates, including CO2 distribution in cities and non-CO2 monitoring. These findings support low-carbon development and energy conservation efforts.
Scientists have developed a catalyst that directly converts carbon dioxide into formic acid using sunlight. The discovery marks a significant step towards creating an artificial photosynthesis system that efficiently converts CO2 into organic molecules.
Columbia engineers apply machine learning techniques to create a method that combines big data and machine learning to selectively design gas-filtering polymer membranes. The study successfully identifies promising materials that surpass current membrane performance limits, paving the way for commercial use.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports analyzed thousands of vertical measurements over airports and characterized CO2 variations over 34 major cities worldwide. The CONTRAIL program's aircraft data showed clear CO2 enhancements when wind comes from urban areas, indicating a relationship between CO2 variability and city emissions.
The study analyzed seven Latin American countries and found that widespread adoption of emission-reduction techniques is necessary to meet target. Researchers highlight barriers to adoption, including lack of access to inputs and information, and propose solutions such as formal systems of replication, subsidies, and technical assistance.
A new study published in the Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists finds that European Union Emissions Trading Scheme improves power plant fuel efficiency, reducing annual carbon emissions by 1.5 to 2 percent in Germany.