Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
Global fossil-fuel carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2023, driven by increasing natural gas and oil consumption. Despite slower emissions growth, researchers warn that emissions could increase unless national energy policies change dramatically.
Global carbon emissions are projected to increase by 0.6% in 2019, with natural gas and oil driving growth, while coal use declines in the EU and US. The slower rate of growth is attributed to structural changes and energy policies aimed at phasing out fossil fuels.
Researchers will study isolated wetlands in the Delmarva Peninsula to understand how hydrology influences wetland carbon export and emissions. The project aims to inform wetland management practices for conservation and restoration.
A researcher is studying how carbon moves through landscapes and across land-water boundaries, exploring its impact on water quality and freshwater food webs. The goal is to understand the fate of terrestrial carbon and improve global carbon budgets.
The study reveals that the western United States saw the highest electrical transfers, leading to 17% of regional emissions attributed to these exports. The Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Power Pool had the largest consumption-based carbon footprint, accounting for 19% of US annual emissions.
Researchers developed a method to monitor tropical forest carbon emissions at unprecedented detail using satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms. The approach quantified the economic cost of deforestation in Peru, revealing areas with significant net losses of forest carbon due to logging and land conversion.
The US electric power sector saw a decrease in carbon intensity, with total power generation falling by 4% and CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour dropping by 9% in Q2 2019. Coal generation declined by 19% compared to the previous year, while renewable sources such as solar and wind increased their share of power generation.
Researchers created Escherichia coli strains that convert CO2 into biomass, overcoming a major challenge in sustainable production of food and fuels. The study demonstrates the feasibility of transforming a heterotrophic organism into an autotroph using metabolic rewiring and adaptive laboratory evolution.
A new integrated conversion process reduces emissions by 40-96% using ethanol, making biofuels more sustainable. Researchers developed a one-step conversion method to lower costs and environmental footprint.
A new study suggests that individuals involved in grassroots sustainability initiatives tend to have lower carbon footprints and report greater lifestyle satisfaction. Members of climate initiatives cut their total emissions by 16% while reporting a 11-13% increase in positive life assessments compared to non-members.
A University of Seville study found that over 17% of classrooms in Andalusia exceed WHO-recommended CO2 levels, with 42% showing concentrations above 2000 ppm. The research highlights the need for controlled mechanical ventilation systems to improve air quality and student health.
A national REDD+ program in Guyana reduced tree cover loss by 35%, equivalent to 12.8 million tons of avoided carbon emissions. However, tree cover loss increased significantly after carbon payments ended, highlighting the importance of continuous forest protection measures.
A new study reveals that nitrous oxide emissions have increased significantly over the past two decades, with a faster rate of increase in the last decade. The authors estimate that global N2O emissions have increased by 1.6 TgN y-1 between 2000-2005 and 2010-2015.
Researchers analyzed data on oil and gas well leakage in British Columbia, finding that 10.8% of wells showed reported leakage, with most incidents involving gas venting. Unremediated surface gas leakage from abandoned wells is estimated to produce significant GHG emissions, equivalent to nearly 75,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year.
Scientists at Chinese Academy of Sciences create highly stable and coke-resistant Ni SAC, overcoming in situ catalyst deactivation. The unique capacity for selective activation of CH4's first C-H bond explains the intrinsic coke resistance.
A new study reveals that hydropower's climate impact is not as environmentally friendly as thought, with some facilities emitting more greenhouse gases than fossil fuels. However, in the long-term, hydropower has a smaller climate benefit compared to methane emissions.
New research in the Pacific Ocean reveals that ocean acidification is increasing nitrous oxide production, a potent greenhouse gas. If current trends continue, N2O emissions could surge by 185-491% by 2100, exacerbating climate change.
A new Harvard study estimates climate and health benefits from renewable energy installation vary greatly by country. The study suggests that companies, investors, and policymakers can use this framework to make strategic decisions around achieving sustainable development goals.
Researchers found that northern tree species, including pine, birch, and spruce, release nitrous oxide into the atmosphere. The emissions vary by season, with peaks in summer, and are linked to physiological activity. The study suggests trees play a significant role in the global N2O balance.
A NASA-funded study reveals that winter carbon dioxide loss from the Arctic permafrost region could increase by 41% over the next century if greenhouse gas emissions continue at their current pace. This would mark a stark reversal for the Arctic, which has captured and stored carbon for tens of thousands of years.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have made a breakthrough in finding catalysts for renewable energy production. They discovered new molecules that can increase the efficiency of water splitting, reducing the
A new study from MIT found that aviation emissions cause twice as much damage to air quality as to the climate. The researchers developed metrics for comparing climate and air quality impacts of aviation emissions.
Researchers from UCLA, Oxford, and others analyzed 10 industrial applications for carbon dioxide emissions, finding that utilizing CO2 could help the environment by reducing emissions. The study suggests a potential scale of over 10 gigatonnes of CO2 use per year at under $100 per tonne.
Researchers found that current forecasts indicate the US electric power sector will meet 2020 and 2025 CO2 reduction requirements under the Paris Agreement. Despite no national policy aimed at reducing CO2 emissions, the US is ahead of schedule to meet short-term and mid-term goals.
A recent study found that only 15% of California K-12 classrooms met the recommended ventilation standard, leading to high CO2 levels and thermal discomfort. The researchers recommend improvements such as commissioning, fan operation, filter replacement, and CO2 monitoring to ensure adequate air quality.
A new study finds that sea levels will rise by 20 centimeters by 2300 even if current carbon emissions pledges are met. The increase is attributed to global warming, which takes longer to respond than immediate temperature increases.
Researchers have developed an artificial leaf that converts carbon dioxide into methanol, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable alternative fuel. The technology uses cuprous oxide as a catalyst, mimicking photosynthesis in plants.
A study found declining mercury concentrations in lake trout from Lake Michigan, likely due to domestic emissions reductions. However, changes in fish diets and growth rates due to zebra mussel invasions slowed these declines.
A new study by Ohio State University and Yale University estimates that deforestation contributes only 7% of manmade net carbon emissions, down from previous estimates of 27%. The research also highlights the importance of forest management in reducing carbon emissions.
Satellites are now essential for monitoring ocean carbon levels, which helps slow climate change. The new study highlights the potential of increased satellite exploitation to fill critical knowledge gaps in ocean monitoring.
Research shows that losing intact tropical forests results in a 626% increase in climate impact, equivalent to two years of global land-use change emissions. The study highlights the devastating effects of deforestation on the climate and emphasizes the need for better funding and conservation efforts.
A new study reveals that intact tropical forests have a significantly higher carbon impact than previously thought, with losses between 2000 and 2013 resulting in a 626% increase. This translates to two years' worth of global land-use change emissions and underscores the urgent need for conservation.
Researchers found that switching to dry powder inhalers from metered-dose inhalers could reduce carbon emissions by 58 tonnes annually, while also cutting drug costs. This switch could save the equivalent of 150-400kg of CO2 annually per individual.
International researchers from IIASA and Japan propose a more systematic exploration of the carbon budget scenario space to address biases identified in current literature. This new approach aims to hedge against future budget uncertainties and provide consistency between physical climate science and mitigation assessments.
A new study finds that relaxing U.S. energy regulations and considering climate change would increase ozone precursors in the air, leading to more counties failing to meet air quality standards. The research used a computer model to simulate the effects of relaxed policies and climate change on ozone levels through 2050.
China's annual carbon emissions growth declined significantly from 10% to 0.3% between 2002-2012 and 2012-2017, respectively. The slowdown is attributed to China's focus on high-quality development, improving energy efficiency, and shifting consumption patterns.
A Stanford University study published in Energy and Environmental Science suggests that carbon capture technologies can cause more harm than good, reducing only a small fraction of carbon emissions. The research concludes that using renewable energy options like wind or solar is always better from a social cost perspective.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers warns that rollbacks of US energy regulations could lead to increased CO2 emissions, slowed progress in reducing pollutants, and worsening air quality. This could result in higher costs for healthcare and finances due to increased cases of respiratory illness.
A recent study found that mountain streams have a higher average CO2 emission rate per square meter than lower-altitude streams due to additional turbulence. The scientists developed a model to estimate natural CO2 emissions from over 1.8 million mountain streams worldwide, indicating geological sources as the primary origin of CO2.
Researchers find that pyrite weathering played a significant role in ending glacial periods, releasing greenhouse gas CO2 into the atmosphere. The process helped to increase sea levels and warm the climate system, leading to rapid sea-level rise and the melting of glaciers.
A new roadmap outlines critical actions on forests, farming, and food systems to achieve the land sector's 50% emissions reduction by 2050. The study suggests reducing deforestation, peatland drainage, and burning by 70%, restoring forests and coastal mangroves, and shifting one in five people to primarily plant-based diets.
A study by University of Leeds researchers found that introducing fungi to wheat can boost nutrient uptake and potentially lead to new, climate-resilient crop varieties. The partnership between wheat and soil fungi could help reduce the use of fertilizers, a major contributor to global carbon emissions.
Global REDD+ fund allocation scenarios optimize carbon reduction for a moderate cost increase in biodiversity conservation. Adding ambition to equity targets significantly improves outcomes without reducing the effect of funding on carbon and biodiversity results.
A new study reveals that using average emissions intensities can lead to errors in estimating the benefits of interventions, potentially compromising their implementation. By analyzing electricity from PJM, researchers found that ignoring marginal emissions can underestimate damages avoided by 50%. The study highlights the importance o...
Researchers at Kyoto University developed a porous material that selectively captures CO2 molecules with high efficiency, converting them into valuable organic materials. The material can also be recycled without losing its efficiency.
A new study by Concordia researchers finds that extreme heat days caused by CO2 emissions lead to lost labor productivity, with lower-income countries experiencing stronger economic impacts. The research estimates that every trillion tonnes of CO2 emitted could cause global GDP losses of about half a percent.
A new study from the University of British Columbia suggests that consumers are more accepting of carbon pricing in air travel when the fee is labeled as a carbon offset and directed at fossil fuel producers. The study found that consumers were willing to pay more for flights if the extra money supported carbon emission reductions.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of routes analyzed exceeded an individual's annual mobility carbon budget, with direct routes generally producing lower emissions. The researchers suggest selecting nonstop routes whenever possible to mitigate carbon footprint.
The Deep Carbon Observatory team estimates that only 0.02% of Earth's total carbon is above surface, while the rest is subsurface. Volcanic CO2 emissions are estimated to be 280-360 million tonnes per year, dwarfed by human-induced emissions.
The 'EZ Climate' model presents a new approach to carbon pricing, incorporating climate uncertainty into its framework. This approach suggests starting with high prices and adjusting them as uncertainty resolves, rather than the traditional low-and-increasing method.
Researchers found that submerging a polymer in water improves its CO2 filtering ability while slightly increasing selectivity. The process transformed the microstructure of the membrane in a low-cost and non-toxic manner.
A four-year research project aims to deliver safe and reliable carbon dioxide removal by injecting CO2 into ocean basalt, where it will mineralize and remain permanently as rock. The project combines state-of-the-art technologies in a way that has never been conceived before.
According to a new paper by OSU professor Jane Lubchenco, ocean-based activities have significant potential to help reach the 1.5-degree Celsius target by 2050. The report analyzes five categories of ocean-based solutions to reduce emissions, including renewable energy and protecting marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that methane from natural gas wells and offshore oil rigs is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Controlling these emissions can have a rapid impact on climate change, with the half-life of methane in the atmosphere being just over a decade.
A computational model using AI identifies optimal hydropower dam sites in the Amazon basin to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis found that dams built at high elevations tend to have lower emissions per unit of power output.
A new proposal suggests shifting focus from long-term targets to shorter timeframes to limit warming and make climate strategies more fair and equitable for future generations. The research recommends prioritizing net zero carbon emissions by mid-century to stabilize warming and then deciding on additional reductions.
Researchers suggest a bolder approach to safeguarding coral reefs by focusing on land as well as the ocean. Implementing strategies like renewable energy, aquaculture, and restoring vegetation can reduce global emissions and enhance people's livelihoods. Current approaches to coral reef conservation are failing, and addressing the root...
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that reducing fossil fuel emissions gradually will prevent a sudden spike in warming, instead leading to a decrease in warming rates within two decades. This approach also reduces the rate of further greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere, slowing down future warming.
A new study proposes a novel scenario framework for climate policy, focusing on capping global warming at a maximum level with either temperature stabilization or reversal. This approach addresses the limitations of current scenarios, which prioritize reaching specific climate goals in 2100 over long-term negative effects.
A new electrochemical process can decarbonate calcium carbonate to form alite and release hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide streams. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate cement industry greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 for sequestration or power generation.