Research on carbon emissions and cutting them. Covers satellite emission tracking, workplace diets, CO2 testing, and low-carbon cement.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that better land management practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 billion tonnes per year, equivalent to halting oil burning. Natural climate solutions could deliver 37% of the emissions reductions needed to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.
The OCO-2 mission gathers data on natural land and ocean sinks, revealing changes in the carbon cycle across seasons and regions. The studies highlight the effects of El Niño on carbon emissions, including increased releases from biomass burning in tropical Asia and lower precipitation in South America.
A new study from the University of Michigan emphasizes the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in both environmental and economic perspectives. The research identifies timetables for action for the U.S.'s most energy-hungry sectors, automotive and electricity, after which it will be too late to stave off a climate tipping point.
A new study from Purdue University and the University of New Hampshire finds that pursuing sustainable irrigation can negatively impact environmental and development goals globally. The research highlights the importance of considering irrigation's interaction with other sustainable development goals.
Researchers from the University of Liverpool have made a significant breakthrough in converting carbon dioxide and methane into liquid fuels and chemicals. The new process uses non-thermal plasma synthesis to achieve high selectivity at room temperature, producing valuable chemical feedstocks.
A new report by the University of Oxford evaluates claims about grass-fed beef and its impact on greenhouse gas emissions. The study finds that while grazing can sequester carbon, this effect is time-limited and outweighed by emissions at the global level.
New research suggests that reducing deforestation and increasing soil carbon sequestration in agriculture can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining or improving food security. This approach has the potential to bring benefits for climate change mitigation while minimizing trade-offs with food security.
New research found that global livestock methane emissions for 2011 are 11% higher than previously estimated. The study used revised emissions factors and spatially distributed annual carbon fluxes to calculate the increased emissions.
A new study reveals that tropical forests are now a net source of carbon to the atmosphere, emitting nearly 425 teragrams annually. Despite gains from forest growth, losses due to degradation and disturbance account for most emissions, with Latin America bearing the brunt of loss.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing next-generation catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The project aims to find new materials that can operate effectively at low exhaust temperatures.
Scientists developed a test to determine the source of CO2 samples by analyzing its chemical fingerprint, aiding carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology development. The method helps distinguish stored industrial CO2 from other sources.
Researchers from the University of Oxford and international partners found that achieving the Paris Agreement's goal of 1.5°C global warming requires more ambitious emission cuts than initially estimated. The study suggests that limiting total CO2 emissions to below 240 billion tonnes could achieve this goal.
Researchers have created a new climate risk classification system to account for potential existential threats from rapid global warming. The categories include catastrophic and unknown risks, which could play out by century's end, posing dangers such as species extinctions and human health risks.
Scientists at NIST have developed a laboratory instrument that can measure the source of carbon in materials, enabling new applications in biofuels and bioplastics industries. The instrument uses cavity ringdown spectroscopy to detect subtle differences in CO2 wavelengths, allowing for accurate measurement of heavy CO2 concentrations.
A modeling study reveals a shift in plant leaf traits, leading to more efficient water use by plants. The carbon isotopic ratio of atmospheric CO2 decreases slower than predicted, indicating this adaptation.
A study by George Washington University researchers found that air pollution and coal-fired power plants were the subject of most cases, while renewable energy and energy efficiency saw pro-regulation plaintiffs win more than twice as frequently. Courts are expected to play a significant role in shaping climate policy in the US.
Expert John Deutch argues that the US can't lower carbon emissions while growing the economy due to the Kaya Identity model. He suggests planned reductions won't be enough to avoid climate change's impact.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that fuel economy standards are not as difficult to meet as previously believed, with potential benefits including lower costs for consumers and automakers. The research also suggests that slightly slower acceleration times can significantly reduce overall emissions.
A new study suggests that the Palaeocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was caused by volcanic carbon emissions, resulting in a rapid doubling of atmospheric CO2. The event, which lasted around 150 thousand years, saw global temperatures increase by at least 5oC.
A study led by Argonne National Laboratory found that waste-to-energy production pathways generate less greenhouse gases than decomposing organic waste. Researchers suggest diverting waste to energy can avoid landfill emissions and promote energy independence.
A new study shows the Montreal Protocol significantly reduced US greenhouse gas emissions from 2008 to 2014, equivalent to 170 million tons of CO2 annually. The treaty's impact on climate-altering gases was a major side benefit of reducing ozone-depleting substances.
A new University of Washington study using statistical tools shows only a 5 percent chance that Earth will warm 2 degrees or less by the end of this century. The study suggests major, sustained effort on all fronts over the next 80 years is needed to achieve the goal of limiting warming to 2 degrees.
Researchers found that two more degrees of warming are already committed to by past emissions, regardless of current efforts. Even if all fossil fuel emissions stopped, warming would still reach about 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100.
Researchers found that using a true non-industrially influenced baseline could reduce the available carbon budget for meeting the 2°C warming limit. The study suggests that assuming a late 19th-century baseline may be underestimating the warming already taken place.
A new study in Uganda found that payment programs to protect forests can be highly effective in reducing deforestation and mitigating global carbon emissions. The program, which offered modest payments to landowners for leaving trees intact, resulted in a 50% reduction in tree loss compared to a control group.
A new Northwestern University study suggests that paying people to conserve their trees could be a highly cost-effective way to reduce deforestation and carbon emissions. The program, known as Payments for Ecosystems, was found to have large impacts on forest cover in western Uganda.
Researchers are investigating the secrets of sharks' ability to shed slime and biofilms, which could lead to sustainable anti-fouling coatings for ships. The study aims to develop new technologies inspired by nature to mitigate hull fouling and its impact on the environment.
The retirement of aging power plants will complicate achieving long-term carbon dioxide emission reduction targets and require significant capital investments. The study found that younger coal plants tend to retire earlier than older ones, creating an imbalance in investment emphasis between generating capacity and emissions reductions.
A new study by James Hansen's team estimates that to limit global warming, we need negative emissions through technologies like carbon capture. If emissions continue high, young people may have to spend up to 500 trillion euros on CO2 extraction, but rapid phase-down of fossil fuels can achieve this at relatively low cost.