Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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...
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.
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
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.
Researchers developed a model to test the cost and capabilities of a fleet of shared, automated electric vehicles in New York City. The study found that about 6,500 vehicles could be sustained on 1,500 medium-power electric vehicle chargers across Manhattan, resulting in a 33,000-ton reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per year.
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.
A study suggests that using existing natural gas infrastructure to replace coal in power plants can significantly reduce global carbon emissions. The UK's approach, which has already cut its emissions by 25%, could be emulated globally to achieve a 3% reduction in annual emissions.
A new study published in Limnology and Oceanography Letters shows that lake size and nutrients significantly impact greenhouse gas emissions from lakes into the atmosphere. The research found that methane, emitted from lakes in bubbles, is the dominant greenhouse gas coming from lakes globally.
Scientists found that meeting temperature targets without overshooting may not require zero emissions, while drastic cuts in emissions can stabilize warming at 1.5 or 2 degrees C. The timing of emission reductions matters significantly.
A new study published in PNAS suggests that controlling greenhouse gas emissions could substantially reduce the consequences of permafrost thawing, but failing to do so would result in significant carbon releases. The research found that even with low emission scenarios, permafrost loss and soil carbon changes are still substantial.
A study from the University of Sheffield found that a rapid switch from coal to natural gas in Britain resulted in a 6% decrease in emissions. The key factor behind this reduction was effective carbon pricing, which incentivized the fuel switch.
A new study found that 20% of American diets account for 46% of total diet-related greenhouse emissions, with high beef consumption contributing 72% of the difference. Shifting to more plant-based diets could reduce emissions by nearly 10%.
Researchers developed a framework to assess forest management strategies in Oregon, finding that these approaches increased net ecosystem carbon balance by 72% from 2011-2015. By 2100, the strategies resulted in a 56% increase in NECB, with benefits for water availability and biodiversity.
A new study projects that cutting carbon emissions sooner could avoid up to 153 million premature deaths globally, with the greatest gains in Asia and Africa. Cities like Kolkata and Delhi, India, could see up to 4.4 million projected saved lives.
A Michigan State University study evaluated adaptive multi-paddock, or AMP, grass-fed operations and found that they can potentially offset greenhouse gas emissions. The research also showed that the finishing phase of beef production could be a net carbon sink, with carbon levels staying in the green rather than in the red.
The loss of seagrass meadows at Shark Bay has released up to nine million metric tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the annual CO2 output of 800,000 homes. Seagrass ecosystems are crucial for storing carbon, and climate change is compromising their permanence.
Researchers estimate that Shark Bay has the largest carbon stores reported for a seagrass ecosystem, containing up to 1.3 percent of the total carbon stored in seagrass soils worldwide. The loss of seagrass at Shark Bay after the 2010-2011 marine heat wave released up to 9 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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...