Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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%.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite reports of near elimination, global HFC-23 emissions are growing at record values, contradicting expectations. Scientists attribute the rise to increased production in developing countries.
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.
New research finds that preparing land for palm oil plantations releases more greenhouse gases than mature plantations, accounting for almost a quarter of regional emissions. Laboratory analysis reveals significant CO2 emissions during drainage and young oil palm stages.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have discovered modified plants capable of absorbing excess carbon dioxide more effectively. The plants' metabolic networks can be modulated to increase CO2 absorption by five times, which could help mitigate global warming.
Researchers identified six socio-economic tipping elements, including divestment from fossil fuels and climate-neutral cities, that can drive rapid global decarbonization. Permanent support and backing by changes in norms and values are crucial for sustaining these transitions.
A Yale-led team of researchers argue that asteroid impacts, not volcanoes, were the primary cause of the mass extinction event that killed the dinosaurs. The study's findings contradict recent work on the Deccan Traps, massive eruptions in India that occurred around the time of the K-Pg extinction event.
University of Colorado Boulder researchers have created a new approach to designing sustainable buildings using bacteria. The team developed bricks that can heal themselves, remove carbon dioxide from the air, and reproduce, offering a lower-carbon alternative to traditional materials.
Economic growth and population expansion were major contributors to China's energy-related CO2 emissions increase between 1978 and 2023. Carbon and energy intensity have slowed the growth rate of CO2 emissions, suggesting a low growth rate for future increases.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a system to capture CO2 directly in trucks' exhaust systems, liquefy it, and convert it into conventional fuel using renewable energy. The process recovers most of the energy available onboard, with only 10% of emissions left unrecycled, which can be offset by biomass.
People with obesity produce more carbon dioxide due to higher metabolism and food consumption, contributing to 1.6% of global man-made emissions. Managing obesity can favorably affect the environment, with potential implications for healthcare and environmental policies.
Researchers link various environmental factors such as food access, recreational opportunities, and natural amenities with engagement in weight management programs. The study also examines the impact of changes in the food, built, and socioeconomic environment on BMI in US counties.
The US and China need to deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce committed emissions, which threaten the 1.5°C climate target. CCS retrofits are essential for deep decarbonization in both countries, but current high costs require government policies to incentivize deployment.
A new study demonstrates that there's more than enough suitable storage for captured carbon dioxide on the world's continental shelves to meet IPCC goals. The research suggests that developing enough CO2 injection wells over a relatively short period is manageable and can help achieve emissions cuts of up to 13% by 2050.
A new MIT study examines the opposing roles of natural gas in the battle against climate change, as a bridge toward a lower-emissions future and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To meet greenhouse gas reduction targets over the coming decade, present methods of controlling methane leakage would have to improve by 30-90 percent.
Scientists and innovators present the concept of the Circular Carbon Economy, a system where carbon emissions are reduced, reused, recycled, and removed. This approach is inspired by nature and aims to restore the balance of the carbon cycle.
Researchers at Chiba University have improved estimates of ecosystem carbon mitigation, crucial for meeting the Paris Agreement's climate goals. By reconciling top-down and bottom-up approaches, they reduced discrepancies in flux estimations, providing a more accurate picture of terrestrial carbon sinks.
A research team has identified a new type of metal organic framework (MOF) that can selectively capture CO2 from flue gases, even in the presence of water. The discovery could lead to more efficient carbon dioxide removal from industrial emissions and help mitigate global climate change.
Scientists have introduced a new electrochemical method to produce ethylene from CO at room temperature and standard pressure, achieving high Faradaic efficiency and C2 selectivity. The technique uses a copper catalyst and optimized electrode structure, allowing for efficient separation of gaseous ethylene.
A new emissions inventory for Nepal reveals that air pollution is growing at a much faster rate than the economy. The study found that private households account for a larger share of fuel consumption and emissions in Nepal compared to industrial nations.
Carbon Hub aims to split hydrocarbons into hydrogen fuel and solid carbon materials, reducing emissions and creating a sustainable future. The initiative partners with companies to develop new technologies and deploy them efficiently.
A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports suggests that increasing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research estimates that there is enough space in the world's nearshore continental margins to store 6-7 gigatons of CO2 annually by 2050, and tha...
A new study reveals that the Montreal Protocol successfully mitigated global warming by banning CFCs in 1987. The treaty has led to a reduction of up to 3°C-4°C of avoided warming in the Arctic, and 1.5°C-2°C in regions like North America, Africa, and Eurasia.
Scientists discovered that greenhouse gas emissions from volcanic rocks can create massive global warming effects, with calculations suggesting the largest temporary global warming of the past 65 million years. Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are linked to spikes in climate change and the carbon cycle.
Researchers found that recycling nutrient-rich industrial waste products can enhance soil health while reducing carbon emissions and maintaining crop yields. The study used heat-inactivated spent microbial mass (SMB) as a fertilizer, which provided similar crop yields to conventional fertilizers but at greater rates.
A new study warns that large-scale bioenergy projects can have a high carbon footprint and excessive land use, making them less viable in the long term. The authors recommend prioritizing cost-effective alternatives like waste-to-energy and carbon capture technologies to reduce reliance on land-intensive bioenergy.
Researchers at NTNU discovered that wetting a polymer membrane with water enhances its CO2 capture capabilities. The material, known as TESET, is now being explored for large-scale gas separation technologies aimed at reducing climate change. Graphene oxide membranes are also part of the group's promising candidates.