Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A study by University of Michigan researchers maps China's export-driven CO2 emissions to specific coastal manufacturing hubs, revealing that 1% of the country's land area generates 75% of these emissions. The findings highlight key sectors and cities driving climate change.
A recent study by the University of Bonn found that Brazilian soy exports have a significant impact on the climate, with varying levels of CO2 emissions depending on the location where soybeans are grown. The researchers used Life Cycle Assessment methodology to estimate the carbon footprint of Brazil's soy exports and found that some ...
Researchers found that price increases rarely impact short-term energy consumption, but have a significant effect after about five years. The study developed two scenarios for future development: E-POL and CLI, which focus on increasing electricity use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient technologies.
A recent international research project found that dry areas of inland waters release high levels of carbon dioxide, underestimating total emissions. The study suggests a global phenomenon with factors like temperature, moisture, and organic matter content playing a crucial role in the release.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a new class of self-forming membrane to separate CO2 from gas mixtures, achieving performance levels comparable to existing carbon capture processes. The innovation reduces the demand for silver and lowers costs, making it an attractive solution for environmental protection.
Climate researchers question CESM2 model's extreme warming projections, citing geological evidence from a 50-million-year-old warming period. The study highlights the need to benchmark climate models using geological data to ensure accurate predictions.
Researchers at Penn State are developing microwave plasma technology to produce hydrogen and graphene from natural gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The technology enables rapid heating of gas and can be powered by renewable electricity, making it a promising solution for the hydrogen economy.
A new catalyst has been developed that can convert ethane into ethylene with improved efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. The discovery could have a significant economic impact on the plastics industry and energy extraction operations.
Researchers at MIT developed a new automated AI system that reduces the energy required for training and running neural networks. The system, called a 'once-for-all' network, trains one large neural network comprising many pretrained subnetworks, reducing carbon emissions by low triple digits.
A zero-emissions Boston could avoid nearly 200 deaths each year, with significant reductions in cardiovascular and respiratory illness across the region. The city's climate policies would also save $1.7 billion in Suffolk County and $2.4 billion for the entire 75-square-mile zone.
A new study suggests that reducing CO2 emissions rapidly could lead to ice-free years in the Arctic, occurring only occasionally. The research indicates that humans can still determine how often the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free, depending on future emissions levels.
A miniaturized carbon dioxide monitoring instrument based on non-dispersive infrared technology has been developed to observe carbon dioxide concentrations in the boundary layer. The instrument provided consistent results with conventional gas chromatography analyzers and revealed that CO2 concentration decreases with increasing altitude.
A new study suggests that the Arctic Ocean will likely be ice-free in summer due to high future CO2 emissions. However, rapid reductions in CO2 emissions could lead to occasional ice-free summers even before 2050. The study's findings highlight humanity's impact on the Arctic ecosystem and climate.
The FEPCRC developed Oxy-CFBC technology significantly reduces air pollutants, including ultra fine dusts, CO2 emissions, and NOx, making it an eco-friendly alternative to traditional coal-fired power plants. The technology operates at 60% of O2 as an oxidant, reducing thermal input and increasing system efficiency.
A team of researchers developed a microwave heating strategy for synthesizing a transition metal chalcogenide nanostructure that efficiently catalyzes CO2 electroreduction to carbon monoxide. The catalyst achieved a record conversion current of 212 mA cm-2 and selectivity of ~95.5%.
A new study suggests that volcanic activity played a direct role in triggering extreme climate change at the end of the Triassic period. The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from these eruptions is comparable to the amount expected to be produced by all human activity in the 21st century.
A European Union programme aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions has made significant progress despite low prices in carbon markets. The EU ETS saved around 1.2 billion tons of CO2 between 2008 and 2016, nearly half of what governments pledged to reduce in their Kyoto Protocol commitments.
Researchers found that the European Union Trading System (EU ETS) prevented approximately 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted between 2008 and 2016. Low carbon prices were associated with a decrease in demand for emission permits, but still resulted in significant emission reductions.
An interdisciplinary team of researchers finds that it is possible to bring industrial greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2070 through the use of promising technologies such as electrification, hydrogen, and energy efficiency. Governments can accelerate research and development and incentivize new technology deployment through pol...
Global supply chains account for 10% of all global carbon emissions, which has tripled between 1995 and 2012. Researchers call these emissions "carbon-in-transit," as products move across borders with embedded carbon emissions.
Restoring drained peatland involves re-wetting, which brings water table closer to surface, reducing fire risk. Local community involvement is key to successful restoration, with alternative income sources needed for farmers.
A new study by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder has found that the international ozone treaty has stopped changes in Southern Hemisphere atmospheric circulation. The Montreal Protocol, which phased out ozone-depleting chemicals, has driven recent reversals in these patterns.
A new study finds electric cars lead to lower carbon emissions overall, even if electricity generation involves fossil fuels, in 95% of the world. In most regions, including Europe and the US, electric cars produce up to 70% fewer emissions than petrol cars.
A new study finds that electric cars produce lower carbon emissions than petrol cars in 95% of the world, even when production and electricity generation are considered. The research suggests that even in regions with high fossil fuel usage, such as Poland, driving an electric car is better for the climate.
Emissions of CFC-11 and CFC-12 are larger than expected, with CFC banks slowly leaking these chemicals into the atmosphere, delaying ozone recovery and contributing to climate change.
Researchers at KAIST developed a 3D hierarchically porous nanostructured catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 to CO, overcoming mass transport limitations. The new catalyst shows high selectivity and mass activity, promising large-scale applications for green energy.
A new NASA/university study uses satellite data to track carbon dioxide emissions in 20 major cities worldwide, revealing that densely populated cities tend to emit less CO2 per person. However, exceptions exist, such as cities with major power generation facilities and affluent areas with high rates of driving.
The new Boston building will be one of the largest residential wooden structures in the US, featuring a cross-laminated timber structure that eliminates most greenhouse-gas emissions. Its kit-of-parts approach and energy-efficient design make it a pioneering example of sustainable building in urban areas.
Researchers found that cover crops can increase soil health in the Southern High Plains by retaining rainwater and reducing erosion. The study showed that biological activity improves soil structure and increases soil carbon storage, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A study tracking 300,000 trees over 30 years reveals that tropical forests' carbon sink is weakening, with a feared switch from absorption to emission imminent. The loss of this critical carbon sink capacity is equivalent to a decade of fossil fuel emissions from major countries.
Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that using palm oil from first rotation plantations leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, there is potential for carbon savings in plantations established on degraded land or by introducing longer rotation cycles or new oil palm varieties.
A US tax code rule expands a credit for companies capturing and storing CO2, driving demand for carbon capture technology. The 45Q rule rewards companies that reduce their CO2 emissions, spurring investment in pipelines and mature technologies.
A new study explores strategies that could help reduce emissions from the transport industry by combining economic and transport models and data from 17 regions around the world. In one scenario, countries producing only electric vehicles and implementing a carbon pricing strategy led to a global mean temperature increase of 1.82 degre...
A new study suggests that ancient stores of methane in permafrost and beneath Arctic ice have a limited impact on future climate warming. Current activities are the primary source of methane emissions, with natural emissions accounting for nearly 40%.
Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new procedure for recycling concrete with wood, yielding a building material with superior bending strength. This innovative approach may help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and construction costs.
A survey of institutional investors reveals a growing recognition of climate change among Wall Street executives. The survey found that over 97% believe global temperatures are rising, and more than half consider climate risks in investment decisions. Institutions are starting to take action by asking companies to disclose carbon emiss...
Scientists report that small altitude changes in flight paths could cut the climate impact of aircraft contrails, reducing warming effects by up to 59.3%. By targeting high-warming flights and making minor adjustments, contrail impact could be reduced by 91.8% with cleaner engines.
Researchers found that altering aircraft altitudes could significantly reduce contrail-caused harm to the climate, with a potential reduction of up to 59%. The study suggests targeting flights responsible for the most climate forcing and using cleaner engine technology to achieve a total reduction of up to 90%.
A new CU Boulder-led study finds that abrupt permafrost thaw is a significant contributor to climate change, with potential carbon emissions doubling previous estimates. The rapid thawing of permafrost in the Arctic region has severe consequences on landscapes and ecosystems.
According to a new study, human activities have inadvertently increased plant growth globally, which absorbs carbon dioxide and cools the planet. This 'global greening' trend could be slowing down global warming by up to 0.2-0.25 degrees Celsius.
A University of Tennessee microbiologist is leading a three-year study to understand how global warming affects peatlands and their vast carbon stores. The research aims to predict the impacts of warming on the complex network of microorganisms that cycle carbon and nutrients in peatlands.
Researchers analyzed 2003-2016 data on carbon density change and forest cover loss across the Amazon forests. They found that indigenous territories (ITs) and protected natural areas (PNAs) lost almost a half billion tons of carbon, with forest degradation and disturbance accounting for more than 75% of losses.
Researchers found that limiting temperature increase to 2°C yields economically optimal results; climate policies can balance damages and mitigation costs. The study tested various uncertainties and confirmed the 2°C limit is cost-efficient across different climate sensitivities.
Research suggests that reducing emissions of ozone-forming gases from human activities such as road transport and energy production can improve plant growth and capture more carbon. A 50% cut in these emissions is proposed as a large but plausible target to mitigate ozone-induced loss of plant productivity.
A new study suggests that Indigenous territories and protected areas in the Amazon are emitting low amounts of carbon, outperforming other land categories. However, these lands are under siege due to government concessions for mining and petroleum extraction, threatening their role in protecting vulnerable landscapes.
A new study shows that buildings made from wood instead of cement and steel can avoid greenhouse gas emissions from production and store CO2, turning them into a powerful means to mitigate climate change. Sustainable forest management is crucial for this transition.
The decomposition of organic matter in permafrost soil during winter months can release substantial amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, exceeding summer uptake. By 2100, this could increase by 41% if current greenhouse gas emissions continue.
A study by Abo Akademi University found that environmentally friendly shipping practices can lower emissions and freight costs. Investments in sustainable technologies, such as solar panels and optimized propellers, are economically profitable.