Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A new study published in Nature shows that ocean acidification caused by carbon dioxide emissions will severely slow coral reef growth. The research team manipulated seawater chemistry to reflect end-of-century projections, finding that increased acidity hinders calcification and reef growth.
Researchers used tree-ring records to analyze Mongolia's 2,060-year climate history. The study found that future droughts are likely no worse than those of the past, with increased precipitation offsetting the effects of higher temperatures on semi-arid regions.
Researchers evaluate bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) in the US, finding that approximately 30% of biomass is suitable for near-term deployment. The study suggests BECCS could provide up to 100-110 megatonnes of negative emissions per year by 2020 and 360-630 megatonnes by 2040.
The enhanced weathering process has the potential to remove up to 4.9 billion tons of CO2 per year from the atmosphere if basalt is used, but its costs and trade-offs are significant. The study suggests that basalt could be a more sustainable option than dunite, which contains harmful substances.
A recent study found that hydropower in the Mekong River Basin has median greenhouse gas emissions of 26 kg CO2e/MWh, comparable to other renewable energy sources. However, nearly 20% of hydropower reservoirs have higher emissions than fossil fuels, and social and environmental impacts must be evaluated case-by-case.
The U CO2 sensor network, the only multisite urban CO2 network worldwide with over a decade of continuous measurements, shows that suburban sprawl significantly impacts metro area CO2 emissions. The network reveals that suburban expansion increases CO2 emissions more than similar population growth in urban areas.
The study explores the feasibility of achieving a 1.5°C warming limit by 2100 using six integrated assessment models. Successful scenarios require rapid shifts away from fossil fuels, lowered energy use, and CO2 removal. Inequities and poor climate policies hinder achievement.
A University of East Anglia study finds that current payment schemes for forest carbon credits are insufficient to compete with the financial benefits of logging and converting forests to rubber plantations. To effectively protect tropical forests, payment amounts must be significantly increased.
Researchers at Concordia University developed a method to optimize energy consumption in buildings, reducing carbon emissions by 59% while cutting costs by 75%. The study used hydro-powered heat pumps and lake cooling as renewable energy sources, demonstrating the potential for net-zero energy usage.
A recent study by Colorado State University found that biofuels produced from switchgrass can store carbon in the soil, sequestering it and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research used a simulation model to analyze various growing scenarios, finding a climate footprint ranging from -11 to 10 grams of carbon dioxide per mega-joule.
A study estimates that reforesting US topsoils stores 13-21 million metric tons of carbon annually, equivalent to 10% of the country's forest-sector carbon sink. Over a century, this could sequester up to 2.1 billion metric tons of carbon.
A new study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that delaying global CO2 emission peak by five years between 2020 and 2035 could result in an additional 20 cm of sea-level rise by 2300. The researchers used a combined climate-sea-level model to analyze the impact of delayed mitigation on global sea-level rise.
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have found that US power sector carbon dioxide emissions are on track to meet near-term targets under the Paris Agreement despite the Trump Administration's withdrawal of the Clean Power Plan. A strong link between natural gas prices and emission reductions has been identified, with declining...
A study by Indiana University researchers shows that excess emissions from industrial facilities can make serious contributions to overall air pollution, causing approximately $150 million in negative health consequences annually.
A new prototype has been developed to monitor environmental variables in buildings, utilizing open-source platforms and the Internet of Things. The system aims to optimize building energy consumption and improve indoor air quality by detecting CO2 levels and optimizing ventilation.
New research reveals that removing fossil fuel subsidies will only slightly slow the growth of CO2 emissions, with smaller effects in developing economies. The largest emissions savings would come from oil and gas exporting countries, but removal could have a detrimental impact on poor households, who may struggle to afford modern fuels.
Researchers discovered that Arctic ponds can be hotspots for the degradation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), releasing more carbon into the atmosphere. The study found that these ponds have distinct chemical compositions compared to rivers, and rapid permafrost thaw is adding carbon to them.
A new computer model developed by EPFL scientist Edgard Gnansounou can quantify the emissions of each product coming out of biorefineries, providing a more accurate assessment of biofuels' environmental impact. This could help policymakers set clear incentives for biorefineries to become economically viable.
A new study finds that substantial carbon pricing can lead to substantial divestment from coal, resulting in reduced emissions. The 'green paradox' effect is overcome when investors anticipate strong future climate policies, suggesting a more effective strategy for reducing emissions.
Researchers at the University of Manchester found that sandwiches with pork, cheese, or prawns have the highest carbon emissions, while homemade sandwiches can reduce emissions by a half. The study suggests extending sell-by dates and reducing ingredients like cheese and meat to minimize waste.
New research from the Universities of Southampton and Liverpool projects that global temperatures will exceed 1.5°C and 2.0°C above pre-industrial levels within 17-41 years if carbon emissions continue at current rates. Immediate action is needed to develop a carbon-neutral future or prepare for climate adaptation strategies.
Researchers argue that current emissions pathways are insufficient, requiring broader scenarios with rapid decarbonization and careful consideration of negative emissions technologies. The new scenarios aim to address potential environmental and social consequences of large-scale carbon removal.
Water-saving measures in California have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and electricity consumption. The study found that the decrease in water usage translated into a substantial electricity saving, equivalent to 1,830 gigawatt hours.
Scientists at the University of Dundee developed a process that enables E. coli bacterium to act as an efficient carbon capture device, converting CO2 into formic acid with high efficiency and speed. This breakthrough could lead to a new way to store or recycle carbon dioxide, a key solution to global warming.
A new set of principles addresses the moral challenge of climate change by providing scientifically-grounded tools for investors and companies to assess corporate strategy. The principles include committing to net zero emissions, developing a profitable net zero business model, and setting quantitative mid-term targets.
A PSU researcher has discovered that small inland ponds account for a significant portion of carbon dioxide and methane emissions from inland waters. Her study, published in Nature Geoscience, revealed that these small ponds, despite being only 9% of the total surface area, contribute 15% of CO2 emissions and 41% of methane emissions.
Researchers found charcoal accelerates fine roots decomposition, leading to increased CO2 emissions in boreal forests. High charcoal concentrations resulted in greater root mass loss over two years.
A new study predicts that migrants applying for asylum in the European Union will nearly triple over the average of the last 15 years by 2100. The researchers found that countries with higher temperature deviations from 20 degrees Celsius during their growing season are more likely to see increased asylum applications.
Researchers found that Norwegian consumers can reduce their carbon footprint by up to 58% by making conscious choices such as carpooling, cutting back on meat, and buying durable goods. However, this reduction can be offset if the saved money is spent on discretionary items with high climate impacts.
Scientists developed an efficient process to turn captured CO2 into syngas, a mixture of H2 and CO that can be used to make fuels and chemicals. The new process uses switchable polarity solvents to control what molecules dissolve in the solvent.
The study highlights successful private businesses that implemented pollution reduction initiatives, such as carbon capture and storage technologies. Experts recommend shifting financial focus to improving public transport infrastructure to reduce CO2 emissions.
A comprehensive study found that wind and solar energy have lower indirect greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based technologies. The researchers' findings suggest that a full decarbonization of the global power sector is achievable with these clean energy sources, resulting in modest indirect greenhouse gas emissions.
The first analysis of surgical suite carbon footprints reveals that anaesthetic gas choice is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions can also reduce costs, without compromising patient care.
A new study by NYU Langone Health finds that a healthcare center in India has developed a sustainable cataract surgery model, emitting 96% less carbon than the UK while producing comparable health outcomes. The model's key practices include shorter surgery durations, better re-use of surgical materials, and more efficient sterilization.
Researchers at Harvard's Rowland Institute have developed a system that uses renewable electricity to electrochemically transform carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, with an energy conversion efficiency of up to 12.7%. The device has the potential for industrial applications and could be scaled up to scrub CO2 from the atmosphere.
A study suggests that expanding sugarcane cultivation in Brazil for ethanol production could reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by up to 5.6% by 2045, while replacing up to 13.7% of world crude oil consumption. The expansion of sugarcane cultivation is proposed in areas not under environmental protection or reserved for food produc...
MIT researchers have developed a new membrane-based system that can convert carbon dioxide into useful fuels for cars, trucks, and planes, as well as into chemical feedstocks. The process uses heat energy from solar or waste sources to store chemical energy in form of useful products.
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that meadows store significantly more carbon than shrubs in high-latitude alpine zones. This discovery could have implications for carbon storage and global warming, particularly in regions where climate change is altering vegetation patterns.
Research reveals China's reversing emission flows due to changes in economic development patterns and international trade. The study found that emission flows have changed greatly in both domestic and foreign trade.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new catalyst that increases the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis to 64%, converting electrical energy into chemical energy. This innovation addresses two major challenges in renewable energy production, capturing carbon emissions and storing energy from solar or wind power.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University found that treating poultry waste to produce hydrochar generates more net energy than biochar, making it a promising renewable fuel source. The study also showed that higher temperatures during production result in reduced emissions of methane and ammonia.
Researchers found plant respiration releases 30% more carbon dioxide than previously estimated, posing a significant threat to the Earth's ability to absorb fossil fuel emissions. The study's findings are based on comprehensive data from over 10,000 measurements and suggest that as temperatures rise, plant respiration will increase sig...
The University of Surrey has developed a cost-effective catalyst to recycle carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) into fuels and valuable chemicals. The new 'supercatalyst' could make chemical CO2 recycling more widely available across industry, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The 2017 Global Carbon Budget projects a 2% increase in global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels and industry, ending three years of stability. Chinese emissions are expected to rise 3.5%, while US emissions decline by 0.4%. The growth is attributed to the return to growth in Chinese emissions and stronger industrial production.
Global carbon dioxide concentrations reached a record 403 parts per million in 2016, and are expected to increase by 2.5 parts per million in 2017. The United States and European Union are projected to see slight declines in emissions this year, while China's emissions are expected to grow by approximately 3.5 percent.
The report reveals that global CO2 emissions from all human activities reached 41 billion tonnes in 2017, following a projected rise in burning fossil fuels. This delay is attributed mainly to China's growing coal use, reversing previous decreases since 2013.
Global carbon emissions have surged in 2017 due to increased coal use in China and the US. The country's emissions are projected to grow by 3.5%, reversing two years of decline. This unexpected growth delays efforts to reach a global peak, with CO2 levels expected to rise to a record high.
A study suggests that improving California's land use could negate up to 147 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2030. This approach could contribute substantially to the state's climate mitigation goals, with potential benefits for ecosystem management and conservation.
Scientists are sounding the alarm on climate tipping points, warning that the planet is approaching critical thresholds that could lead to abrupt and irreversible changes in the Earth system. The World's top climate scientists have released a statement emphasizing the need for rapid action to avoid these tipping points.
The European Commission has introduced a package of measures to reconcile ambitious environmental standards with increasing car industry competitiveness. The 2nd Mobility Package aims to restore citizens' trust in the automotive industry by promoting clean and affordable mobility for all.
Climate policies aimed at limiting global warming below 2C can reduce air pollution-related deaths by 15-40% annually, while raising crop yields by 2.5-6.6%. The report also finds that these measures could save over 300,000 lives annually by 2030.
A new study reveals that cities can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by addressing upstream activities such as housing and transportation. By choosing low-carbon construction materials and renewable energy sources, cities can drastically decrease their indirect CO2 emissions. This approach offers local policymakers m...
New research has found that protecting high carbon stock forests can benefit mammal diversity and support biodiversity conservation. The study used camera-trap images and satellite imagery to show a clear correlation between high carbon areas and endangered mammals in Borneo.
A new study by Emory University researchers found that mandatory state policies are associated with the largest reductions in power plant emissions. The analysis shows that policies with mandatory compliance resulted in an average of 2.6 million metric tons of CO2 emissions per year reduction.
A new study reveals that protected areas of tropical forest are reducing carbon emissions by a third, and slowing the rate of global warming. The research found that these protected areas prevent the release of three times as much carbon into the atmosphere as the UK emits each year.
A new study by MIT researchers found that cities can reduce urban emissions primarily through better building practices, not greater housing density. Implementing energy-efficient construction standards and retrofitting existing homes can lower residential emissions by up to 19% by 2030.
BIOACID research reveals ocean acidification affects ecosystems and services, including climate regulation, food provision, and biodiversity. Reducing carbon emissions by mid-century is crucial to reach Paris climate targets and limit global warming.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a micropillar compression technique to characterize the micro-scale strength of cement, allowing for the development of stronger, more sustainable materials. The study provides precise measures of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) compressive strength in cement mixtures.
Global CO2 emissions have stalled for the third consecutive year, with fossil carbon dioxide emissions slowing down since 2012. Meanwhile, methane and nitrous oxide emissions continue to rise, driven by agricultural activities and industrial production in key countries like China, US, and India.
A study by the University of Seville found that investing in cycling infrastructure yields a significant social return, with an average profitability rate of 130% on public investment. The research estimated a €550m profit for the city of Seville, outperforming traditional transport infrastructure investments.