Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.