Research on carbon emissions and cutting them. Covers satellite emission tracking, workplace diets, CO2 testing, and low-carbon cement.
A new type of battery developed by MIT researchers can convert carbon dioxide into a solid mineral carbonate as it discharges. This approach could potentially reduce the cost of carbon capture systems and make them more economically viable. The battery is made from lithium metal, carbon, and an electrolyte that incorporates captured CO2.
A new MIT study finds that 10 major European auto manufacturers produced diesel cars emitting up to 16 times more NOx on the road than in lab tests, resulting in approximately 2,700 premature deaths per year across Europe. Improving emissions control technologies could prevent up to 1,900 premature deaths annually.
A Stanford study suggests using government payments to incentivize the oil industry to capture more carbon dioxide from human-related sources. This could lead to a 9.5% reduction in climate emissions, even with increased oil extraction. The proposal involves a reverse Dutch auction system to pilot-test the concept.
A new study accounts for permafrost carbon release in emission budgets, showing the world may exceed Paris climate targets sooner than thought. Permafrost thaw causes large amounts of previously trapped carbon to be released into the atmosphere, making it a critical factor in estimating emission budgets.
Researchers find switching from coal to natural gas reduces air pollution, carbon emissions, but may increase water stress in some regions. A transition from coal to natural gas can have co-benefits for air quality and carbon mitigation, but trade-offs exist depending on the sector and location.
A two-year study in Vancouver and Toronto reveals large trucks are the greatest contributors to black carbon emissions close to major roadways. The study suggests retrofitting older diesel trucks with better emission treatment systems can improve air quality in cities.
A new study found that coal-fired power plants require 13 times more land to be carbon neutral than solar panel manufacturing, making solar the more efficient option. To achieve carbon neutrality with coal, 89% of US land would need to be covered in forests or optimal crops.
River greenhouse gas emissions from Siberia's Ob River peak in areas where permafrost degrades, emitting large parts of the carbon received. This finding highlights the importance of studying Western Siberian rivers' role in the global carbon cycle.
A new study sets a deadline of 2035 for governments to take decisive climate action to limit global warming below 2°C. The research found that even with strong renewable energy growth, humanity will likely cross the point of no return unless drastic emissions reductions are made immediately.
A new study suggests that low-tech ways of improving soil quality on farms and rangelands worldwide could capture significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere and store it in the soil. If instituted globally, these practices could reduce global temperatures by nearly half a degree Fahrenheit by 2100.
Research suggests that tree felling in African savannas is releasing at least three times more carbon than previously thought. The study found that degradation releases around twice as much carbon as deforestation, leading to combined losses of three to six times higher than expected.
A new study by the University of Leeds found that forests emit volatile gases, forming particles in the atmosphere that increase diffuse light. This enhanced diffuse sunlight boosts photosynthesis by up to 10% globally, mirroring 10% of global fossil fuel emissions.
Research by Carnegie Institution scientists reveals that aerosol particles from different countries have varying effects on the climate and air quality. Aerosols emitted in certain regions can cool the planet more than others, with some having a significant impact even if they are far from their source of origin.
Researchers at KAUST have combined computer analysis with laser-based measurements to understand NOx production pathways in different fuel types, finding that alcohol fuels produce up to 50% less nonthermal NOx than conventional fossil fuels.
A team of researchers led by Dr Marco Taddei at Swansea University's ESRI has found a way to utilize defects in metal-organic frameworks to capture CO2. The team investigated the role of defects in post-synthetic exchange, a process that allows MOFs to be modified through exchange of components of their structure.
A recent study by the University of Exeter suggests that replacing forests with crops for bioenergy power stations could increase CO2 in the atmosphere, while protecting and regenerating forests may be a more sensible option. The research highlights the importance of land use changes in mitigating climate change.
Scientists discovered that gas bubbles rising to the surface can alter volcanic gas composition, which affects eruption forecasts. The findings also suggest a new pathway for chemical changes in gases during large-scale eruptions.
A new study warns that reducing greenhouse gas emissions may not be enough to avoid a 'Hothouse Earth' state, where temperatures could rise by 4-5°C and sea levels increase by 10-60m. The authors call for accelerated transition towards an emission-free world economy.
Researchers suggest a system that charges drivers based on traffic volume, improving flow and reducing pollution. The proposed dynamic fee aims to make roads more efficient and equitable for all users.
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.
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 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.
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.