Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A new carbon accounting system has been adopted by the EU to measure forest management's impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This approach reflects actual historical practices rather than projected future outcomes, providing a more credible solution to account for forest sinks and reducing GHG emissions.
A recent study published in Science suggests that global warming can alter ocean chemistry, threatening the future of many fish species. The researchers found that increased CO2 levels can lead to oxygen loss in oceans, allowing sulfate-eating bacteria to thrive and producing hydrogen sulfide, a broad-spectrum toxin.
A new IIASA-led research suggests that climate mitigation schemes in agriculture could lead to more widespread hunger and food insecurity than the direct impacts of climate change. The study highlights the need for smarter, inclusive policies that prioritize development goals alongside emissions reduction.
The ARDITEC project from the University of Seville has developed an open-source computing tool to calculate CO2 emissions in each phase of a building project. This allows for a global picture of a building's carbon footprint and informs sustainable construction decisions.
A new study reveals that warming streams and rivers can significantly increase greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in agricultural lowland areas. The research highlights the need for land management strategies to reduce sediment rich in organic matter content and decrease groundwater abstraction.
A new study emphasizes the importance of behavioral policies in encouraging the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles, citing consumer preferences and climate policies as key factors. The research suggests that a combination of policies can increase the market share of low-carbon vehicles to over 25% by 2050.
A new study shows a correlation between cumulative carbon emissions and future sea level rise, with even optimistic scenarios predicting several meters of rise over thousands of years. The researchers warn that limiting sea level rise to 3-9 meters is unlikely without drastic action to reach zero emissions.
Researchers found a significant association between wildfire activity and elevated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels in the northwestern United States. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, suggests that increased wildfires may offset reductions in anthropogenic PM2.5 levels.
A University of Queensland-led study links microbial communities and biogeochemistry to rising greenhouse gas emissions from thawing permafrost. The research, using sequencing techniques, identified new microorganisms involved in complex biochemical networks producing greenhouse gases.
The paper highlights the importance of accurately measuring greenhouse gases and their role in determining Earth's future climate. Researchers propose a new space-based observing system to improve our understanding of carbon cycle feedbacks and predict climate change.
A new study led by San Francisco State University found that California's cap-and-trade program has not effectively improved air quality for the state's residents. The bulk of GHG reductions occurred outside of California, while in-state emissions increased by 52% between 2013 and 2015.
New research suggests that natural greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands and permafrost could increase global warming, making it harder to achieve the 1.5 °C target. The findings indicate that these emissions are disproportionately important for reducing fossil fuel burning.
A new study by UBC researchers reveals that urban greenways can significantly reduce daily car travel distances and resulting carbon emissions. Participants living within 300 meters of Vancouver's Comox-Helmcken Greenway showed an 18% decrease in car travel, while those farther away experienced increased motorized travel.
Changes in land use significantly impact CO2 storage in vegetation and atmospheric concentration. Deforestation can lead to reduced capacity for plants and soil to absorb CO2.
A study by the European Commission Joint Research Centre found that even with strong efforts, residual carbon emissions will reach over 1000 gigatons by the end of the century, exceeding the level needed to achieve the 1.5°C target. Accelerated energy efficiency improvements and electrification are necessary to limit warming.
Researchers found that past warming events suggest climate models underestimate long-term warming and amplification of warmth in polar regions. Sea levels may rise six meters or more even if the world meets the 2°C target, according to an international team of researchers from 17 countries.
To achieve zero emissions, air travel, freight shipping, cement, and steel manufacturing must be decarbonized. New technologies, such as hydrogen fuels and carbon capture, can help overcome these challenges.
A UCI-led review emphasizes the need to redesign heavy-duty infrastructure to eliminate carbon dioxide emissions. Key solutions include the production of renewable materials, capturing and storing CO2, and integrating power and manufacturing facilities.
Scientists have created an 'electrogeochemical' method that captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while producing hydrogen gas for use as fuel. The technology also counteracts ocean acidification by converting carbon dioxide into a dissolved mineral bicarbonate already abundant in the ocean.
International team of researchers warns that even with stringent climate policies, residual fossil fuel emissions could still cause CO2 emissions to endanger the climate targets agreed on by the international community. The study highlights the need for accelerated energy efficiency improvements and widespread electrification of energy...
Researchers analyzed past warm periods to understand potential future climate changes. They found that ecosystems and climate zones will shift poleward or to higher altitudes, potentially releasing additional greenhouse gases and leading to sea-level rise.
A new study by the University of Colorado at Boulder estimates US oil and gas methane emissions are 60% higher than previously thought, with most emissions coming from leaks and equipment malfunctions. The study finds that repairing these leaks could reduce emissions by an estimated $2 billion annually.
Researchers estimate US methane emissions from oil and gas supply chains are greater than thought, with emissions in 2015 about 60% higher than EPA estimates. The discrepancy is likely due to existing inventory methods not capturing abnormal operating conditions like malfunctions.
Summer monsoons in South Asia purify the air of certain pollutants by oxidizing them into less volatile products, which then exit the atmosphere through rain. However, these monsoons also disperse other pollutants globally through a massive anticyclone circulating above the region.
A massive world-wide study of dry riverbeds has found they're contributing more carbon emissions than previously thought. The contribution of intermittent rivers and streams to the process of carbon cycling is largely ignored, but new data suggests this may be higher than initially estimated.
A new study warns that Antarctica's ecosystem is under threat due to climate change, with a metre of global sea level rise predicted if drastic action is not taken. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing effective regulations could mitigate this impact.
Researchers from Swansea University found that enriching natural gas with hydrogen is a promising way to reduce UK carbon dioxide emissions. By increasing the hydrogen content to 30%, domestic carbon emissions could be reduced by up to 18% without requiring any changes to appliances.
Direct air capture technology captures CO2 from the atmosphere and converts it into fresh fuels, reducing carbon footprint of transportation with minimal disruption. The resulting fuels are compatible with existing infrastructure and have ultra-low life cycle carbon intensities.
A new study surveyed the carbon footprints of 13,000 cities worldwide, finding that the top 100 highest-footprint cities contribute to approximately 20% of global emissions. By targeting these concentrated emission hotspots, local mayors and governments can significantly reduce national total carbon footprints.
Researchers at Oxford University and Agroscope found large differences in environmental impact between producers of the same product. A plant-based diet can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 73% and global agricultural land use by ~3.1 billion hectares, according to a new database.
A new device developed by Sensia Solutions can detect gas leaks and measure their amount, providing a solution to this problem at an affordable price. The technology has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint from gas leaks by up to 70%.
Researchers have discovered a way to harness bismuth's unique property, called catalytic plasticity, to convert carbon dioxide into liquid fuels and industrial chemicals. This approach could potentially provide sustainable routes to making fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The study, led by Dr Christian Brand, finds that both lifestyle change and zero-emission technologies are needed to meet Scotland's 80% carbon reduction target by 2050. Lifestyle changes such as walking, cycling, and using clean public transport can show quicker results than gradual transitions to electric vehicles.
A new study found that streams and rivers could increase carbon dioxide emissions at higher temperatures, potentially compounding the effects of global warming. The research team analyzed data from six major climatic zones across the globe and found a 24% shift toward more respiration and CO2 emissions.
Crop rotation has been shown to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35% compared to continuous corn or soybean. Rotating crops also increases yield benefits of over 20%, with tillage not affecting emissions. The study highlights the importance of crop diversification and soil management in reducing environmental impact.
A University of Toronto engineering team has designed a most efficient and stable process to convert climate-warming carbon dioxide into ethylene, a key chemical building block for plastics. The breakthrough catalyst uses a thin copper-based material and improves energy efficiency and selectivity.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a device that combines multiple gas sensors to detect entrapped people. The device, the size of a small computer chip, can identify specific chemical compounds emitted by humans and distinguish them from other sources.
Researchers at TU Vienna found that support materials can significantly impact chemical reactions on large palladium grains. The discovery could lead to the development of more effective automotive catalytic converters by reinforcing the weak point of the grain, where carbon monoxide poisoning starts.
A new study found that global carbon production from Chinese exports has slowed or reversed, as developing countries shift trade among themselves. The growth of South-South trade has more than doubled between 2004 and 2011, leading to a surge in CO2 emissions in regions like Vietnam and Bangladesh.
Scientists from 12 countries urge caution on climate geoengineering, warning it may do more harm than good. Developing countries are most vulnerable to climate change and geoengineering's unintended consequences, including acidification of the ocean and disruptions to biodiversity.
A new satellite measuring carbon balance will aid experts and politicians in addressing climate change, while providing detailed emissions data by country. The tool helps track the impact of deforestation and drought on CO2 emissions, crucial for the UN's work on reducing greenhouse gases.
A comprehensive study by the University of Sydney reveals that global tourism is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with small islands and luxury travel being key drivers. The research estimates that tourism-related emissions are four times greater than previous estimates and are growing faster than international trade.
New research from the University of Adelaide shows that weedy marine plants will dominate coastal habitats in high CO2 conditions, replacing kelp forests that support higher biodiversity. Small weedlike species will fuel their growth due to carbon emissions, allowing them to outcompete and outgrow kelps.
Researchers found that increasing urban agriculture, switching to renewable energy, reducing retail and consumer food waste, and adopting plant-based diets can significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. By implementing these measures, cities can achieve a substantial reduction in their carbon footprint.
Researchers found that private electric vehicles can reduce CO2 emissions by incentivizing slow charging, while electrifying buses and taxis is the most effective option for improving air quality in Beijing. The study's strategy aims to maximize the benefits of renewables by managing vehicle charging.
A new study reveals that US improvements in air quality are slowing down, making it challenging to meet ozone pollution goals. The slowdown is attributed to slower-than-expected reductions in emissions from industrial and commercial sources.
A world-first study synthesizes globalization effects on people and planet, revealing increased child labor, environmental degradation, and inequality in developing countries. The research highlights the displacement of wealth-driven consumption into offshore production, compromising the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals.
A new natural gas catalyst aims to reduce methane emissions from vehicle exhaust, a potent greenhouse gas. The US Department of Energy-funded project will develop and optimize a lower-cost, more efficient catalyst to eliminate unreacted methane, making natural gas a cleaner-burning fuel option.
Researchers at Stanford University have found cost-effective carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies commercially feasible with existing technology in the US. CCS can be profitable through tax credits and low-carbon fuel standards, incentivizing its deployment to meet climate goals.
A new MIT study estimates that China's climate policy would improve air quality and human health, saving $339 billion in health costs by 2030. The researchers used a new modeling approach to simulate the effects of different policy scenarios on provincial air quality and public health.
The Chinese observation satellite TanSat has produced its first global carbon dioxide maps, providing valuable data for future climate change research. The maps show a seasonal decrease in carbon dioxide concentration from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere and emission hotspots due to anthropogenic activity.
A team of researchers led by Imperial College London has developed a new technique to estimate CO2 emissions from fossil fuels using atmospheric measurements. The study found that the reported and actual emissions matched up well in California, suggesting the technique could be used globally.
Researchers at Swansea University's Energy Safety Research Institute have found a way to convert CO2 into ethylene, the basis of making plastics, at room temperature. This process has the potential to offset global carbon emissions and utilise half a billion tonnes of emitted CO2 annually.
A study by researchers at MIT and NREL found that carbon taxes can be an effective way to curb emissions of greenhouse gases. The analysis showed that depending on the exact mechanism chosen, such a tax can also be fair and not hurt low-income households. The most efficient way to achieve reductions in terms of overall impact on the ec...
The Carnegie Mellon Power Sector Carbon Index reports a 26.8% decline in emissions intensity from 2005 levels, with natural gas and renewables displacing coal as primary energy sources. The index also provides regional insights and international expansion, offering objective data for policy makers and regulators
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new method to convert CO2 into a solid inert mineral in basalt, which holds promise as an effective abatement agent for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research revealed that 47 kilograms of CO2 can be converted into mineral inside one cubic meter of basalt.
A Norwegian study reveals that wood stove emissions have a complex effect on the climate, with black carbon being the primary warming agent. The research suggests that reducing soot emissions from wood stoves could also improve air quality and mitigate health risks.
New University of Colorado Boulder research suggests that limiting warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit would reduce the likelihood of an ice-free Arctic summer to 30 percent by 2100. In contrast, warming by 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit would make at least one ice-free summer certain.
A team of Canadian and US scientists propose converting CO2 into small building block molecules that can be upgraded for commercial use. Potential applications include energy storage in hydrogen, methane, and ethane; production of consumer goods using ethylene and ethanol; and pharmaceuticals using CO2-derived formic acid.
To stabilize the climate, governments must undertake huge efforts of halving emissions by 2030 and achieving emission neutrality by 2050. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere through technical methods comes with risks and uncertainties.