Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A coalition of over 60 scientists, business leaders, and policymakers urge swift climate action by 2020 to avoid devastating consequences. The authors propose six milestones for a clean industrial revolution, including renewable energy targets and electric vehicle incentives.
Researchers find that including an indirect land use change factor in biofuel policies leads to a relatively small reduction in emissions at a high economic cost. The inclusion of this factor imposes a hidden tax on all fuels, increasing their carbon emissions per gallon and fuel prices for consumers.
Researchers have developed an efficient catalyst that converts CO2 from the air into synthetic natural gas in a 'clean' process using solar energy. The catalyst produces almost pure methane without side products and operates at mild temperatures, making it viable for industrial activities.
Researchers found clear links between volcanic activity and the end-Triassic mass extinction. The study revealed repeated large emissions of carbon dioxide from volcanoes, which led to a profound impact on the global climate.
A study published in Nature Climate Change warns that 74% of the world's population will face deadly heatwaves by 2100 if current emissions continue. Researchers found a common threshold beyond which temperatures and humidities become lethal, with tropical areas projected to bear the greatest risk.
A study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that varying diet formulation and pasture management can significantly affect greenhouse gas emissions on organic dairy farms. The researchers identified four feeding strategies, with diets featuring more soybeans resulting in lower nitrous oxide emissions.
A recent study by Seth Werfel at Stanford University found that people who report taking personal energy-saving actions are less likely to support government efforts to address environmental issues. This effect occurs regardless of political ideology and may have implications for other issues as well.
Researchers found that a new type of nitrogen fertilizer, SuperU, can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from irrigated crops by up to 53% compared to traditional granular urea. However, the effect depends on crop rotation, with yields remaining unaffected when used in corn production.
Researchers from Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a technology to obtain liquid fuel from coal wastes for thermal power stations, reducing anthropogenic emissions and disposing of waste efficiently. The new fuel composition shows lower sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions when burned compared to traditional coals.
A new study by Concordia economics professor Ian Irvine reveals that electric vehicle (EV) subsidies could actually increase greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. The subsidies encourage the production of more EVs but undermine efficiency requirements for conventional vehicles, resulting in a zero or negative near-term GHG benefit.
The current National Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement have critical consequences for achieving the goal of keeping warming well below 2°C. The study finds that these pledges leave out key details, leading to a range of emissions outcomes with varying degrees of uncertainty.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered that decomposing leaves in soil are a surprising source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The team found that large soil pores create micro-habitats perfect for bacteria to produce nitrous oxide.
Researchers have discovered that decomposing leaves in soil are a significant source of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. The study, led by Michigan State University, found that leaf particles create micro-habitats perfect for bacteria that produce nitrous oxide.
Researchers have developed a new composite catalyst that reduces the use of rare earth elements, such as Cerium, in catalytic converters. The catalyst showed improved oxygen storage and release capabilities compared to traditional catalysts, providing better buffering effects during fuel-rich and lean exhaust conditions.
A new study quantifies CO2 emissions from Sydney Harbour for the first time, finding 1000 tonnes annually, equivalent to 200 cars. The research also reveals that during periods of high rainfall, the harbour becomes a carbon sink.
Researchers dated flood basalts to confirm magmatic activity coincided with mass extinction, linking CO2 release and climate change to species disappearance.
A WSU study reveals that US consumers are interested in using more renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, with many willing to shift their appliance usage to achieve this goal. The researchers propose developing an app prototype to monitor electricity sources in real-time, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
A recent study found that permafrost thaw in northern peatlands can lead to a five-fold increase in nitrous oxide emissions. The emission rates matched those from tropical forest soils, highlighting the significant impact of Arctic warming on the global N2O budget.
A team of physicists has implemented a new measurement method that reveals traffic is the major polluter of nitrogen oxide emissions in European cities, accounting for over 80% of emissions. The study's findings highlight the need for revised atmospheric models and air quality management strategies to address the underestimated emissions.
A University of Washington study questions the natural thermostat related to rock weathering, suggesting a weaker link between temperature and chemical weathering rates. Researchers suggest alternative mechanisms controlling weathering, such as land exposure and surface steepness, may be more significant.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a spatially adaptive broadcast system that enables broadcasters to adapt their geographical coverage in real-time, reducing energy consumption by up to 35%. This technology has the potential to improve the energy efficiency of wireless and broadcast networks.
A positive phase of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation could accelerate global warming, potentially pushing temperatures above 1.5°C as early as 2026. According to new research, this natural climate driver would likely produce a sharp acceleration in global warming over the next decade.
A new analysis by an international research panel suggests that reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) like methane and black carbon could yield major health benefits and slow global warming over the next 25 years. Curbing these emissions would also provide substantial benefits for investing in sustainable development.
An analysis of 27 US states found that summer temperature increases lead to higher electricity-related emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). States with more coal power plants, such as Ohio and Pennsylvania, released the most SO2 emissions.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology shows that air conditioning increases air pollution by hundreds to thousands of metric tons, particularly sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, with a 3-4% increase per degree Celsius rise in temperature
Researchers have successfully developed a high-efficient, stable, and multifunctional Na-Fe3O4/HZSM-5 catalyst for direct production of gasoline from CO2 hydrogenation. The catalyst exhibited 78% selectivity to C5-C11 hydrocarbons under industrial conditions.
Researchers at Clemson University are working on a technology to improve gasoline direct injection engines' cleanliness, reducing hazardous fine-particle emissions. The team aims to develop engine-control strategies that work together with filters and three-way catalysts to minimize particulate emissions.
To meet the 1.5C target, global carbon emissions need to be reduced to less than 25% of energy supply by 2100 and land use change must decrease. A new study suggests that a high-renewable energy scenario could peak emissions as early as 2022.
Researchers developed a predictive tool to estimate nitrous oxide emissions from waterways based on stream size, land use, biome type, and climatic conditions. The study found that N2O emissions increase with river size and are dependent on human activity and environmental drivers.
A Boston College study links income inequality to rising carbon emissions at the state level, with top 10% of population driving growth. States like California and Texas experience significant increases in emissions, while South Carolina sees minimal growth.
Research at UC Merced found a chemical record of global photosynthesis spanning hundreds of years, indicating a significant increase in plant growth since the industrial revolution. The findings suggest that rising atmospheric CO2 levels and climate change may be driving this trend.
New research confirms that global photosynthesis is stable for hundreds of years before industrial revolution, but grows rapidly with increased CO2 levels. The findings affirm estimates used in climate change models and suggest that nature's brakes are not enough to counter human emissions.
A team of experts presents exceptional photographs documenting the loss of ice across Earth's surface. The images showcase the devastating effects of climate change on glaciers, a consequence of anthropogenic carbon emissions. GSA Today article highlights the urgent need for action to address this issue.
A new study reveals that tropical forest fragmentation leads to increased carbon emissions by a third, with edges releasing more CO2 due to unfavourable micro-climates. Researchers used satellite images and developed software to map forest fragments worldwide.
A study found that the carbon footprint of acquisitive and violent crime dropped from 7 million tonnes CO2e in 1995 to below 3 million tonnes CO2e by 2015. This represents a cumulative reduction of 54 million tonnes CO2e over this period, alongside a 30% decrease in crime.
Researchers developed an online tool analyzing 21 years of night-time lights data to correlate with socio-economic factors, finding strong relationships between GDP and electricity consumption. The study also found inverse correlations between light brightness and poverty, providing insights into human activities at a global scale.
A new study proposes a simple rule of thumb, or 'carbon law', to rapidly reduce carbon emissions. The authors argue that halving emissions every decade could catalyze disruptive innovation and help achieve the UN's Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C.
A global 'carbon law' aims to halve carbon emissions every decade, peaking by 2020 and falling to zero by 2050. The roadmap also calls for rapid adoption of renewable energy, carbon removal technologies, and sustainable agriculture practices to achieve this goal.
The Carnegie Mellon Power Sector Carbon Index will provide a snapshot of critical data regarding energy production and environmental performance. The index will track U.S. power producers' carbon dioxide emissions and compare them to historical data, providing insights into progress made by the power sector in reducing emissions.
A new study found that door and window locks offer good security with a low carbon footprint, making them the most desirable burglary prevention measure. In contrast, burglar alarms are less effective and have a high carbon footprint, producing more emissions than an incidence of burglary.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that water temperatures generally remain low despite rising air temperatures, helping to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The research, conducted by Uppsala University, involved nearly 3,500 schoolchildren taking measurements and samples from lakes across Sweden.
Researchers have found that volcanoes collectively emit significant amounts of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, which is easier to detect from space. Human activities also emit large quantities of sulfur dioxide, but are declining in many countries due to pollution controls.
A team of researchers has created the first global inventory for volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions, using data from a NASA satellite. The data set provides annual estimates for 91 volcanoes worldwide and will help refine climate models and provide insight into human health risks.
Researchers from North Carolina State University developed a series of computer models that can predict the CO2 absorption properties of amine solutions based on their chemical structure. The models utilize machine-learning techniques and have been found to reliably discriminate between amines with high absorption properties and those ...
A new study assesses potential climate damage to 19 major European coastal cities, predicting annual economic losses ranging from $1.2 billion to over $40 billion by 2100. The study emphasizes the need for adaptation measures to avoid critical damage and major losses.
A team of scientists has discovered how bacteria make the coenzyme F430, which facilitates the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into methane gas. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more effective and easier-to-grow methanogenic bacteria for energy production.
A new study found that warming ponds can release almost twice as much methane and absorb half as much carbon dioxide over a seven-year period. This amplifies the effects of global warming on these small ecosystems, contributing significantly to climate change.
The study found that tall fescue resulted in more soil carbon than Kentucky bluegrass, but required more frequent mowing. Returning grass clippings increased both soil carbon and nitrogen compared to when clippings were collected.
A new study predicts climate change will increase US electricity costs by billions of dollars due to higher temperatures and peak demand. Utilities will need to spend between $70 billion and $180 billion on grid upgrades to absorb these surges.
A study by researchers at the University of East Anglia found that fiscal policies can help lower harmful carbon emissions in developing countries. The research used Brazil as a case study and discovered that even early-stage measures could significantly reduce emissions.
A new study reveals that residential heating and transport are major sources of black carbon in the Russian Arctic, with an estimated 35% and 38% contribution respectively. This finding highlights the importance of reducing black carbon pollution in the region to mitigate climate change.
A Griffith University study found that increased CO2 emissions will cause algae to outcompete and poison coral in the Great Barrier Reef. If left unchecked, this could lead to significant reef degradation and death by 2100.
A new study estimates global methane emissions from oil and gas systems to be double previous estimates, with the Russian oil industry being a major contributor. The study found that methane recovery systems have helped reduce emissions since the 1990s, but increasing shale gas production has offset these gains.
A new study suggests that land-use change may be responsible for higher CO2 emissions than previously thought, emphasizing the need for reforestation efforts to combat climate change. The research highlights the crucial role of forests, grasslands, and croplands in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Global carbon dioxide emissions have remained steady for three years, but a new study urges accelerated deployment of carbon capture technologies and increased renewables to meet the Paris Agreement's goals. The researchers predict that the rollout of carbon capture and storage will be crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study reveals that land-use changes such as deforestation and expanded agriculture significantly increase CO2 emissions, but also reveal a higher rate of carbon uptake among terrestrial ecosystems.
Engineers at the University of Nottingham are developing lightweight automotive components using selective laser melting (SLM), a disruptive AM technology. This process enables significant weight reductions in mass (40-80 per cent) while optimizing thermo-mechanical performance, leading to increased vehicle efficiency and reduced costs.
A group of UK and US respiratory doctors argue that President Trump should follow Margaret Thatcher's lead on ozone layer protection to reduce the impact of climate change. They suggest a series of policy actions, including investing in clean energy and green transport, to protect public health and prosperity.
Researchers found that advanced wood-burning cookstoves reduce fine particulate matter and carbon monoxide emissions by 45% and 47%, respectively. However, field measurements showed significantly higher emissions compared to laboratory testing.
A report by PSE Healthy Energy projects that new Marcellus development will nearly double natural gas production and increase greenhouse gas emissions by tripling. The report forecasts thousands of new natural gas wells, which will drive a second drilling boom in Pennsylvania.