Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A graphene-based sensor and switch have been developed to detect individual CO2 molecules and VOC gas molecules, which are difficult to detect due to their low concentrations. The technology has the potential to improve air quality in homes with good insulation, reducing health problems such as sick building syndrome.
A new study suggests that carbon pricing revenues could generate enough funds to cover the drinking water supply for most countries worldwide by 2030. In India alone, a carbon tax would yield around $115 billion annually, with only 4% needed for clean water and sanitation.
A recent study by Lund University researchers found a clear connection between global economic development and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The study analyzed data from 138 countries and discovered that as countries become wealthier, their environmental sustainability decreases.
Simulating CO2 saturation in rocks could provide a breakthrough in carbon capture and storage by estimating the rocks' potential locations. Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a technique to characterize fluid displacement processes, allowing for more accurate estimation of storage capacity and leakage risk.
Soil has the potential to sequester more carbon than the current atmosphere, and climate-smart agricultural practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil fertility. Several methods, including reducing tillage and applying biochar, can be used by land users to abate emissions and sequester carbon.
Researchers at MIT propose a hybrid system that combines coal gasification and fuel cells to boost efficiency and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The system achieves efficiencies up to 55-60%, compared to conventional plants' 30% efficiency.
Researchers at Empa combined direct measurements with a transport model to validate statistics on greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland. The study confirms estimated annual emission of approximately 200,000 tonnes of methane, with livestock farming contributing 70% of emissions.
A new study warns that climate change poses a significant risk of triggering multiple tipping points, leading to irreversible economic damages worldwide if left unchecked. The research suggests that immediate action is needed to reduce CO2 emissions and meet the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 1.5 °C.
Scientists in Spain have found a correlation between lower oil prices and increased CO2 emissions. The study suggests that a 1% increase in oil prices leads to a 0.4% rise in CO2 emissions. Researchers recommend designing a cautious tax structure to reduce fossil fuel consumption and promote cleaner energies.
Researchers found that human activities have transformed the land biosphere into a contributor to climate change by overwhelming its ability to soak up carbon dioxide. This discovery reverses conventional thinking on human impacts on terrestrial carbon uptake.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a novel way to produce plastic from CO2 and plant waste, which could significantly reduce greenhouse emissions. The new technology converts fructose-free biomass into polyethylene furandicarboxylate (PEF), a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastics.
Scientists have developed a method to transform CO2 from smokestack emissions into high-value materials for lithium and sodium batteries. The process produces carbon nanotubes with stable performance, offering a potential solution for reducing environmental impact of current power plants.
Scientists will simulate an emission from a submerged carbon dioxide storage reservoir in the North Sea, using acoustic and chemical sensors to detect released CO2. The goal is to develop innovative technology for detecting and quantifying CO2 emissions in the marine environment.
A new study by Duke University warns that China's coal-based chemical industries will significantly increase the country's carbon footprint. The industries, which include synthetic fuels and olefins, emit nine times more CO2 than alternative methods.
Researchers estimate that the world can emit even less greenhouse gases than previously estimated if global warming is to be kept under control. The study suggests a carbon budget of 590-1240 billion tons of CO2 from 2015 onwards to limit warming to below 2°C.
A new study by NOAA and CIRES scientists reveals that the US is responsible for 8% of global CCl4 emissions, with hotspots in the Gulf Coast region and Colorado. The findings contradict previous reports and highlight the need for further research to understand the source of excess emissions.
Research shows carbon footprint labels influence consumer choice, with usage-related emissions being most important factor. Consumers value recycling and prefer manufacturers to offset emissions, rather than taking direct action.
Researchers optimize algae-based biorefineries to produce cleaner energy with reduced costs and carbon footprint. The study's model uses flue gases as a source of CO2, reducing expenses by almost 90%.
Agriculture technology improvements can cut emissions by up to 50%, but reductions in beef consumption are necessary to meet EU climate targets. Cutting back on beef and increasing poultry and pork consumption can help achieve the targets.
A new study suggests that the available budget for carbon dioxide emissions is on the low end of previous estimates, lending urgency to addressing climate change. The researchers propose a limit of 590-1240 billion tons CO2 from 2015 onwards to keep global warming below 2°C.
A study published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology found that consumers are responsible for more than 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions and up to 80% of world water use. Changing consumption habits can significantly reduce environmental impact.
Researchers have adapted the Trombe wall design to heat and cool buildings, reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel use. The new system uses wind and solar energy to provide a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.
A new study predicts that heat waves could become annual occurrences across 60% of the world's land surface by 2075 if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked. However, aggressive emission reductions could significantly reduce the severity of these events, especially for vulnerable populations.
Researchers at Boston University found that urban soils in metropolitan areas surrounding the city core release significant amounts of CO2 through a process called soil respiration. This discovery highlights the importance of considering biological emissions in assessments of climate action programs.
A new statistical technique confirms that man-made CO2 and methane emissions cause global warming, particularly in densely populated regions. The study provides complementary support to model-based studies and highlights the need for further research on regional climate dynamics.
Reducing U.S. climate emissions could prevent up to 175,000 premature deaths nationwide by 2030, generating $250 billion annual health benefits. Cleaner energy policies and transportation reductions could yield significant long-term health benefits worth 5-10 times the costs.
Researchers suggest that large-scale CO2 removal schemes could have significant environmental impacts, including land use changes and financial costs. The proposed methods include growing bioenergy crops, tree plantations, and adding biochar to soil, but their effectiveness at scale remains uncertain.
A study published in Nature reveals that secondary tropical forests in Latin America are highly resilient and can recover up to 122 tons of biomass per hectare after 20 years. The research, led by Yale-NUS College Assistant Professor Michiel van Breugel, found carbon uptake rates 11 times higher than old-growth forests.
A new study by an MIT professor suggests that China's efforts to price carbon will significantly lower the country's CO2 emissions without impeding economic development. The study uses a unique model linking China's energy system and economy, predicting that coal use will peak around 2020 and overall emissions will peak around 2030.
Research-based climate scenarios predict catastrophic consequences of rising carbon emissions, including sea-level rise and coastal submersion affecting 1.3 billion people. The long-term view underscores the urgency to curb emissions within decades.
GCEP has awarded over $177 million since its launch in 2002 to support global climate change efforts through innovative energy technologies. Researchers will focus on developing lightweight materials, high-efficiency solar devices and microbial production of biofuels.
The study found that sediments from the deep Southern Ocean carried smaller amounts of oxygen, indicating phytoplankton took up large amounts of carbon dioxide. This led to a buildup of decaying organic matter that stored extra carbon in the deep sea.
A University of Miami-led study shows that the North Atlantic absorbed 100% more man-made carbon dioxide over the last decade, impacting ocean life and marine organisms. The findings highlight the importance of reducing fossil fuel emissions to mitigate the effects on the oceans.
A combined carbon and sugar tax in the UK could lead to significant environmental and health benefits, including a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and an increase in fiber intake. The tax scenarios predicted a decrease in purchases of beef, lamb, and other meats, as well as an increase in consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
A new study reveals that small ponds globally produce an outsized share of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and methane. These tiny bodies of water, less than a quarter acre in size, account for significant emissions due to high concentrations of terrestrial carbon.
A new study suggests the US can transition to a low-carbon electricity system by 2030, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 78% and delivering electricity at costs similar to today's. The model uses weather-driven renewable resources to supply most of the nation's electricity.
A new process has been developed to isolate high-quality single-walled carbon nanotubes with minimal damage and at high purity. The technique uses supramolecular hydrogen-bonding polymers to sort nanotubes according to their structure and length, enabling precise customization for optoelectronic devices.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales found that high CO2 concentrations can cause fish to become disoriented and lose their sense of direction. The study predicts that by 2100, up to half of the world's surface oceans will experience episodes of hypercapnia, with devastating effects on marine ecosystems.
A McGill University research team finds that Quebec's carbon-pricing policy likely has a modest cost burden on households and industries. The program aims to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions while minimizing economic disruption.
Climate researchers have calculated regional temperature increases based on a global 2-degree target, revealing clear-cut effects and limitations. The study provides valuable tool for politicians, decision-makers, and civilians to understand the importance of reducing CO2 emissions.
A team of scientists has quantified deep carbon emissions associated with the East African Rift, revealing a significant source of CO2. The study found that faults along the rift act as permeable pathways for deeply-derived CO2, suggesting a previously unrecognized role in global climate change.
New research suggests that reducing beef production in Brazil could lead to higher global greenhouse gas emissions due to the need for farmers to recover degraded pastures and boost cattle productivity. This would potentially lower emissions by storing more carbon in the soil.
A research team from HKU has developed a strategy to promote plant growth by 38-57% in Arabidopsis thaliana, increasing CO2 absorption and potentially boosting food production. The breakthrough is based on a new gene that modulates energy outputs from chloroplasts and mitochondria.
Volatile organic compounds protect plants from stress, attract insects for pollination and seed dispersal, and send warning signs to neighbor plants and animals. Plant VOC emissions contribute significantly to the atmosphere, emitting approximately 600 million tons of carbon annually.
A research team led by Hong Li at the University of Delaware has found that adding alum to poultry litter can significantly reduce ammonia and greenhouse gas concentrations. This innovation helps control nutrient emissions, conserves energy, and improves animal welfare, making agriculture more sustainable.
A University of Cambridge researcher warns that abandoning carbon capture and storage (CCS) would hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions. CCS is essential for delivering flexible power and reducing emissions from industrial processes, but funding issues have led to a decline in interest from corporations and governments.
A new study by Stockholm University estimates that northern lakes and ponds are a critical source of methane emissions. The study suggests that these emissions could increase by 20-50% before the end of this century, potentially fueling a positive feedback loop on future warming.
For the first time, scientists have successfully dated carbon dioxide and methane emissions from ponds and lakes on Bylot Island in Nunavut. The study found significant variability in age and emission rates of greenhouse gases from aquatic systems located in a continuous permafrost zone.
Research at the University of Leicester found that carbon emissions from tropical peatlands in Indonesia vary significantly depending on fire type and location. The study revealed that peatlands closer to canals have a higher probability of high-frequency fires, releasing harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Lakes are warming at an average rate of 0.34 degrees Celsius per decade, posing significant threats to drinking water and aquatic habitats. The study predicts a 20% increase in algal blooms and a 5% rise in toxic algae, with methane emissions projected to rise by 4% over the next decade.
New projections suggest the mean annual ground temperature at the top of permafrost on the North Slope has risen from 17.6 degrees Fahrenheit in 1988 to 28.5 F now, and is expected to reach 32 F by 2100, leading to substantial thawing in certain areas and widespread instability beneath infrastructure.
Researchers at the University of Montana found that current models overpredict plant growth's ability to offset CO2 emissions, suggesting the earth's capacity may be limited. The study highlights the importance of integrating model, satellite, and on-the-ground measurement approaches to improve understanding of plant growth's response ...
A group of 40 climate experts warn that relying on carbon-capture technologies may not be enough to combat global warming. They emphasize the need for swift and aggressive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to avoid Earth's temperature increasing by more than 2 degrees Celsius.
PolyU researchers develop integrated algorithm to estimate real-time journey time and traffic speed, taking into account uncertainty and on-time arrival probability. The system offers personalized driving routes with enhanced reliability, saving time and petrol for motorists.
Researchers at Umeå University discovered that increased CO2 levels shifted photosynthetic metabolism in plants towards photosynthesis, contributing to global vegetation's ability to dampen climate change. The study used historic plant samples to quantify the impact of atmospheric CO2 levels on plant metabolism.
A Stanford-led study predicts global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels will drop slightly in 2015 due to a decrease in coal use in China. This slowdown contrasts with rapid growth in emissions before 2014 and highlights the need for action to stabilize CO2 emissions.
Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels and industry grew by just 0.6 per cent last year, marking a slowdown. China's decreased coal use is largely responsible for the break in global emissions growth, with emissions projected to decline by 0.6 per cent this year.
A new study suggests that global plant growth is not keeping up with CO2 emissions, contradicting expectations. The research indicates that satellite-based results and model-based estimates diverge due to limitations in water availability and nutrient supply.
Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels declined by 0.6% in 2015, marking a break from the rapid growth of the past decade. The largest contributor to this decline was a decrease in coal consumption in China, which slowed its emissions growth to 1.2%.
A study by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland finds that global emissions will continue to increase until 2030 unless drastic reductions are carried out. The countries with the most room for improvement are China and India, highlighting the need for more ambitious targets.