Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A government-run program in the Brazilian Amazon distributes revenue from carbon credits to rural laborers and family farmers, creating an inclusive green economy. The program's benefits include expanded social welfare initiatives and potential to prevent deforestation, but also raises concerns about land power and potential risks.
New research by UCL and University of Edinburgh scientists reveals that many countries' forest restoration pledges are insufficient to meet global climate goals. Restoring natural forests is shown to capture more carbon than plantations or agroforestry, with potential to remove 42 billion tonnes of carbon by 2100.
A study analyzing air samples from the Amazon rainforest and polluted areas found that human activity increases the production of climate-changing particles by 60-200% compared to natural forest carbon. The researchers developed an advanced computer model to simulate chemical reactions, improving predictive abilities.
Climate change is causing retrogressive thaw slumps to form on Banks Island, leading to a 60-fold increase in landslides since the 1980s. The impact on aquatic ecosystems and fish populations is unknown due to lack of baseline data.
A new European study suggests that individuals can play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by making voluntary lifestyle changes, such as eating less meat and using fewer cars. However, the authors argue that these changes alone are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting warming to 1.5C, highligh...
Two new studies reveal that a sixth of EU citizens' typical diet-related emissions can be directly linked to tropical forest deforestation. The research highlights the need for stricter regulations on food imports and alternative production methods.
A University of Washington-led study reveals that declining nitrogen oxides due to tightened standards can lead to cleaner air, but the process may take longer. The research found that NOx affects the formation of PM2.5 by changing the chemistry of hydrocarbon vapors.
A recent study at the University of Illinois examined the energy lifecycle of fuel/battery configurations to yield greatest reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The most feasible configuration was a propulsion system with 50% electrical-power drivetrain, estimated to produce 49.6% less lifecycle CO2 emissions.
A team of scientists has developed a way to improve the tolerance of industrial oil-producing microalgae to high levels of CO2, allowing them to grow faster and more efficiently in flue gas environments. This breakthrough could have significant implications for carbon fixation, food production, and future space exploration.
Researchers found that alpine tundra in Colorado's Front Range emits more CO2 than it captures annually, potentially creating a feedback loop. The study suggests higher-than-expected year-round microbial activity, even without deep insulating snowpack, and may liberate decades-to-centuries-old carbon from the landscape.
Scientists in China have developed a process to convert plant waste into high-density aviation fuel, reducing CO2 emissions from airplanes. The biofuel has higher density than conventional fuels, allowing aircraft to fly farther and carry more.
A new study forecasts that ocean acidification will reduce the depth at which some shelled organisms can survive to just 83 meters by 2100. This drastic reduction in viable habitat could impact marine food webs significantly and lead to cascading changes across ocean ecosystems.
A study by University of Pennsylvania sociologists found that high-income residents moving into tech-enabled neighborhoods increase carbon emissions, displacing low-income populations. The research highlights the need for affordable housing and sustainable planning to counteract gentrification's negative effects.
Computational study simulates CO2 reacting with rock surfaces to form carbonate minerals, revealing a stable method of long-term carbon storage. The findings suggest that 'mineral trapping' can be used for carbon storage and provide insights into the chemistry of CO2 mineralization.
Negative-emission technologies (NETs) that capture carbon dioxide from the air could address about 30% of needed reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions. Scientists estimate that NETs face challenges on cost-effectiveness and disposal methods.
A study by Stockholm University reveals that biomass burning from neighboring regions exceeds fossil fuel emissions in New Delhi during the fall and winter. The researchers found high levels of black carbon aerosols in the city, posing a significant threat to human health.
Researchers have developed a new technique that can efficiently convert CO2 from gas into solid particles of carbon at room temperature. This breakthrough could transform our approach to carbon capture and storage, offering a more sustainable alternative to current technologies.
Researchers used landscape models to examine the interaction between climate, vegetation, and prior fires on area burned. They found that the fuel limitation effect from prior fire events doesn't last long and is not as large as expected, moderating only a 7.5% reduction in cumulative area burned over the century.
Research led by University of East Anglia finds that policies supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency are helping reduce CO2 emissions in 18 developed economies. The study suggests that these efforts need to be expanded and enhanced to limit climate change.
A new study suggests that high CO2 levels above 1,200 ppm could lead to the loss of low-level clouds, resulting in a 8-Kelvin temperature increase globally. The researchers used a small-scale model to simulate cloud instability and found that once the clouds vanish, they do not reappear until CO2 levels drop significantly.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a carbon dioxide scrubber that converts captured CO2 into oxalic acid, a naturally occurring chemical used in the processing of rare earth elements. The technology has shown promising results, reducing emissions to below two percent and demonstrating potential for US produ...
A Washington State University team is developing an ultra-high performance cementitious composite grout to encapsulate solid secondary waste at the Hanford Site. The grout uses industrial byproducts like coal ash and steel slag to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Scientists warn that human carbon emissions could match those of the last major greenhouse warming event in fewer than five generations. If current trends continue, Earth's atmosphere could reach PETM-like carbon levels as early as 2159.
A new study from the Oxford Martin School suggests that lab-grown meat production may have detrimental long-term consequences on the climate if it relies on high-carbon energy. The researchers found that while reducing methane emissions is crucial, replacing it with carbon dioxide could lead to increased global temperatures.
Dr. Ana C. Alba-Rubio creates a dual-function material that captures and transforms carbon dioxide into methanol and higher alcohols, producing electricity with minimal energy requirement, corrosion, and transportation issues.
Researchers used small satellites to observe changes in 85,000 North American lakes over summer 2017, finding significant shoreline fluctuations that add up to hundreds of square kilometers. These findings could impact calculations of natural greenhouse gas emissions from these northern lakes.
Researchers at the Research Center for Gas Innovation are developing a carbon capture storage system that can separate CO2 and methane in oil and gas exploration. The technology involves injecting CO2 and CH4 into salt caverns, with the potential to produce clean energy from fossil fuels.
A new study by Carnegie Mellon University researcher Edson Severnini found that environmental regulations aimed at preserving ecosystems may have encouraged the substitution of dirtier fuels for hydropower in electricity generation. The study estimates that each megawatt of fossil fuel power-generating capacity added to the grid due to...
Researchers estimate carbon emissions from farmland reclamation in China over the past 300 years, with vegetation emissions ranging from 1.58 Pg and soil emissions from 1.35 to 4.03 Pg. Carbon emissions vary greatly across ecosystems, with forests releasing the most and deserts acting as carbon sinks.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a process to scrub CO2 from coal-burning power plant emissions using an organic sorbent similar to soda lime. This alternative technology requires 24% less energy and can be regenerated at lower temperatures, making it more cost-effective for carbon capture.
A new study reveals that marine fishing vessels release almost as much CO2 as 51 coal-fired power plants, with a total of 207-million tonnes emitted in 2016. The researchers found that the industry's reliance on fossil fuel and lack of policy management has led to a significant increase in emissions.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that cattle urine releases more nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, when spilled on degraded land compared to healthy pasture. Land restoration and conservation efforts can mitigate this impact by improving forage grasses, rotational grazing, and adding shrubs and trees.
A recent study confirms that carbon dioxide can be securely stored in underground rocks even when geological faults are present. The research found minimal possibility of gas escaping from fault lines back into the atmosphere.
Scientists discovered that earthworms efficiently process rice straw, increasing its fertility and preventing the burning of crop residues. This method reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil health, making it a more sustainable alternative to current practices.
A new study found that diets with lower carbon footprints are also healthier, consuming more poultry, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. Diets in the lowest-impact group had lower amounts of important nutrients, such as iron and calcium, due to lower intakes of meat and dairy.
Scientists propose using high-tech coatings that can retain air for weeks to reduce drag and fuel consumption of ships. This technology has the potential to save up to 20% of fuel and reduce global CO2 emissions by almost one percent.
Recent studies found that dry inland waters play a significant role in the global carbon cycle, emitting around 0.2 gigatonnes of CO2 annually. Freshwaters also act as carbon sinks when water levels are high, but emit gases when they dry out. The team suggests reservoirs as potential targets for reducing CO2 emissions from inland waters.
Researchers have created a Hybrid Na-CO2 system that efficiently produces electricity and hydrogen from CO2, eliminating carbon emissions. The system achieves high conversion efficiency of 50% and demonstrates stability for over 1,000 hours.
Scientists calculate that an area the size of Germany could suffice for artificial photosynthesis to remove 10 gigatonnes of CO2 per year. This technology could potentially balance climate carbon budget and reduce emissions. However, large investments in research and development are required to make it a reality.
A Rutgers-led study found that extending pavement life through preventive maintenance can reduce greenhouse gases, save energy, and cut transportation agency spending. The research used the LTPP database to measure the environmental impact of roadway repairs on carbon dioxide emissions linked to global warming.
New evaluation tools and global climate models will enable a more complete comparison of models to ground-based and satellite measurements. This combination can significantly reduce uncertainties in key aspects of future climate change, according to a study published in Nature Climate Change.
A new study from Stanford University finds that droughts cause a 10% increase in carbon dioxide emissions from power generation in California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington between 2001 and 2015. Drought-induced shifts in energy sources led to an additional 100 million tons of carbon dioxide across 11 western states.
New research finds that ocean acidification from carbon emissions can alter coho salmon's processing and response to smells, affecting their ability to detect predators and navigate. This study highlights the potential consequences of climate change on salmon populations.
Researchers found that changing agricultural practices and shifting diets away from meat and dairy products could reduce sector emissions by up to 50% by 2050. Dietary changes in overconsuming countries could contribute additional reductions of 23%, with the beef and dairy industries having high greenhouse gas intensities.
A new study by Colorado State University researchers provides a long view of what nine different world regions have contributed to climate change since 1900. The analysis shows that China's contribution will increase as it implements clean air standards, while North America remains the largest contributor.
A study found that China, Europe, and North America experienced periods of reduced cumulative radiative forcing due to offsetting warming and cooling emissions. The regions' future contributions to CRF are expected to be larger than their past contributions, with China potentially emerging as a major contributor.
Research from the University of Technology Sydney and Duke University found that consumers significantly underestimate the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with their food choices. Participants preferred items with lower carbon footprints when given clear information on labels.
A recent study by an international team of researchers found that soot from road traffic in emerging countries can reach high altitudes and contribute to global warming. The reduction of pollutants from diesel cars has a positive impact on both human health and climate protection.
A new international study published in Nature found that organic food production requires more land, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Organic peas and winter wheat have significantly larger climate impacts than their conventional counterparts.
Researchers have identified hydrotalcites as capable of capturing CO2 in mine tailings, potentially improving carbon sequestration beneath the surface. The study found that these minerals can trap CO2 deeper into the tailings than carbonate minerals could, offering a new approach to reducing atmospheric emissions.
Researchers found that diets in wealthy nations have far higher greenhouse gas consequences than typically calculated. Shifting to plant-based diets or careful management of grazing can reduce emissions by up to 70%. The study provides a 'carbon benefits index' to assess the impact of land use changes on climate change.
Researchers from NUST MISIS developed a new hybrid catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation using hexagonal boron nitride and silver nanoparticles, achieving full conversion at 194 degrees Celsius. Increasing silver concentration may reduce the temperature further.
A University of Bonn study suggests that bioplastics may not be as environmentally friendly as thought, as increased production could lead to land use changes and greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers found that even with a tax on conventional plastics, the benefits are temporary and offset by negative economic effects.
Global fossil fuel emissions are projected to reach a record high of over 37 billion tons in 2018, driven by growing energy demand and non-fossil source emissions. Renewables have largely come online as add-ons to fossil fuels, but more needs to be done for them to displace fossil fuels.
Global CO2 emissions are expected to reach 37.1 billion tonnes in 2018, with a solid growth in coal use for the second year in a row and sustained growth in oil and gas use. Emissions need to peak and rapidly decrease to address climate change.
Researchers at Lancaster University found that Sólheimajökull glacier releases up to 41 tonnes of methane daily during summer months, exceeding average methane loss from non-glacial rivers. This discovery highlights the potential for glaciers to be significant sources of methane in the atmosphere.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have developed a new catalyst using mineral pentlandite to convert carbon dioxide into valuable source materials. The catalyst's stability and ability to produce synthetic gas mixtures make it a promising approach to combat climate change.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggest that prioritizing fundamental human needs over economic growth could make it easier to reduce carbon emissions. They found that meeting subsistence and protection needs takes half of the global carbon budget, while leisure and identity take most of the other half.
A new study suggests that natural solutions in the US can equal a quarter of the nation's current net annual emissions, with increased reforestation being the largest means to achieve greater carbon storage. The study highlights various high-performing forest and land management practices to mitigate climate change.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers finds that high carbon emissions can lead to stock price depreciation and asset devaluation. Companies in emission-intensive sectors may experience fundamental devaluations in their stocks within 10 years, due to stricter environmental regulations and climate change risks.