Research on carbon emissions and cutting them. Covers satellite emission tracking, workplace diets, CO2 testing, and low-carbon cement.
Researchers measure CO2 concentration in the atmosphere and find no decrease despite estimated reductions of up to eight percent in 2020. Long-term changes are needed to reach Paris Climate Agreement goals, requiring cumulative reductions every year.
A study published in Soil Biology and Biochemistry found that high soil moisture content can lead to increased carbon dioxide emissions due to accelerated mineralization processes. Protecting meadowlands from bogging may help reduce CO2 emissions and slow down global warming.
Scientific research predicts large increases in mercury concentrations in Yukon River fish and water under high carbon emissions scenarios. For the low-emissions scenario, mercury concentrations are expected to increase by only about 14%.
A new study finds that massive volcanism sent great waves of carbon into the oceans thousands of years ago, but human emissions are now three to eight times faster. The consequences for life on land and in the water could be catastrophic.
Researchers analyzed 12 voluntary REDD+ projects in the Brazilian Amazon and found that they overestimated reduction of deforestation and carbon emissions. Decreasing deforestation trends during early stages of REDD+ projects may explain why these projects resulted in less avoided deforestation than expected.
A new study estimates that studying the ocean's biological carbon pump could lead to more accurate climate models, improving policies on carbon emissions. The research suggests a global economic benefit of $500 billion if science informs policy decisions.
A study published in Geoderma journal reveals that iron minerals and bacteria are main agents of carbon dioxide emissions from soil. Iron facilitates formation of active oxygen forms that destroy plant waste and promote CO2 emissions.
The University of Illinois has been awarded $4.5 million to develop a commercial solution called SYMFONI, which enables accurate and rapid field-level quantification of carbon intensity at a regional scale. This technology will facilitate the adoption of new technologies to increase feedstock productivity and reduce carbon footprint in...
A new study reveals that multinationals' supply chains account for 18.7% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with the majority generated by investments in developing countries. The research highlights the need for companies to take responsibility for their global emissions and encourages greater energy efficiency among suppliers.
A new study finds the world's oceans soak up significantly more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than previous estimates, with a net flux up to twice as much in certain times and locations. This accounts for approximately 10% of global fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers at USC Viterbi develop a method to upcycle carbon dioxide emissions into polymers and other materials using sunlight, breaking the need for energy-intensive processes. High school student researcher Samantha J. Gomez contributes to the study, which aims to reduce environmental impacts.
New research led by the Singapore-ETH Centre reveals that mangrove conservation and restoration efforts have slowed down deforestation and preserved carbon stocks globally. The study found a 1.8% net loss of mangrove carbon stocks between 1996 and 2016, significantly lower than previous estimates.
Researchers found that current energy consumption is tied to unchangeable past economic production, which led to an increase in carbon emissions. The study suggests that improving efficiency may actually accelerate civilization growth and consumption, making it harder to reduce CO2 emissions.
Researchers have found a way to improve the accuracy of brain-inspired computing systems using memristors, which are at least 1,000 times more energy-efficient than conventional transistor-based AI hardware. This could lead to a significant reduction in carbon emissions from training one AI model.
A study found that following the Eatwell Guide diet in the UK can reduce mortality risk by 7% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. The diet recommends consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, wholegrain carbohydrates, and lean proteins.
Researchers propose moving workloads to different regions to reduce excess renewable energy generation, saving companies money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The plan could absorb up to 62% of curtailed electricity capacity in California, equivalent to 100,000 households' annual energy consumption.
A new study reveals that oil and natural gas pipelines are major contributors to carbon emissions, with seven out of eight pipelines being foreign-owned. The study prioritizes climate lawsuits targeting these facilities, which could lead to increased insurance costs for fossil-fuel companies.
A new study by Colorado State University predicts significant climate benefits from advanced biofuel technologies, accounting for carbon flows and comparing them to grasslands and forests. The team found clear strategies for biofuels to have a net carbon benefit, particularly in regions where planting trees is not an option.
A UVA-led team explores the potential costs of negative emissions technologies, which remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The research suggests that these technologies may not be able to offset current CO2 emissions, despite being touted as a solution by the UN and other institutions.
The study introduces a novel method for synthesizing organophilic carbon nanodots using natural organic molecules in plant leaves, resulting in CNDs with multi-band emission. The CNDs were successfully dispersed in acetone and ethanol and used as a ratiometric and colorimetric sensor for curcumin detection.
A new study reveals that climate change can cause greater damages to economies than previously thought, with up to three times the estimated output losses of a 1°C hotter year. The research found significant economic losses of 10% globally and over 20% in tropical regions by 2100.
A Concordia student has created detailed range maps for over 400 primate species, showing how warming temperatures are losing their habitats. The study reveals that a 2°C temperature increase could lead to over a quarter of species experiencing temperatures above pre-industrial levels.
A Northwestern University study found that widespread electric vehicle adoption could save approximately $17 billion annually by avoiding damages from climate change and air pollution. Replacing 75% of cars with EVs could increase savings to as much as $70 billion annually.
A new approach, Near-term to Net Zero, estimates carbon prices needed for consistency with a net-zero emissions target. The method uses reliable information and avoids uncertainties of long-term changes. Estimated carbon prices range from $32 to $93 per metric ton in 2025.
A new study reveals that cold-climate forests at high latitudes are already absorbing less carbon, casting uncertainty on their ability to continue doing so. In contrast, Siberian forests have increased their carbon uptake four times more than other North American forests, suggesting stark divergent responses across regions.
A NUS study found that households respond to air pollution by increasing electricity consumption, leading to higher carbon emissions. Cleaner urban air can reduce energy demand and mitigate carbon emissions. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the impact of air quality on energy demand in developing countries.
A new study finds that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to producing cleaner energy based on cost alone could create social inequalities. Countries transitioning to zero carbon should consider socio-economic impacts, such as the potential disruption to workforce and labor market, before making decisions.
Researchers have discovered that graphitic nitrogen (GN) dopants significantly improve the activity of adjacent carbon atoms for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO. The study found a 95% Faradaic efficiency at -0.5 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, outperforming other N-dopant types.
New research reveals that ocean warming patterns will increasingly be influenced by atmospheric warming, making them easier to predict. This suggests a significant shift from past climate models, which struggled to simulate ocean warming.
A new study suggests that incorporating climate policies into economic recovery plans can significantly reduce global warming. By investing in green industries, countries can lower traffic pollution and improve air quality, leading to immediate health benefits and a cooling effect on the climate.
Researchers developed a novel CO2 separation technology using gate-type adsorbents, achieving high CO2 selectivity and recovery capacity. The adsorbent's flexible structure generates cold heat during adsorption, suppressing temperature rise and improving system efficiency.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.