Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A Michigan State University study found that environmental activism can mitigate the negative impacts of population growth and economic affluence on greenhouse gas emissions. The research, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that states with strong green voices tend to have lower emissions.
A new study found that cutting greenhouse gas emissions may increase hunger risks due to indirect effects on food production and biofuel consumption. The researchers conclude that governments must address climate change while providing measures to alleviate hunger.
A study by Carnegie's Xiaochun Zhang and Ken Caldeira found that the carbon dioxide-caused warming exceeds the amount of heat released by a lump of coal in just 34 days. Continuous power plant burning also triggers similar effects, with CO2 accumulation surpassing combustion emissions within three months.
A new study reveals that soil erosion during rainy seasons contributes substantially to global carbon emissions. Organic carbon losses from soils account for approximately one-sixth of annual fossil fuel-induced carbon emissions, with the highest rates found in semi-arid soils.
To limit climate change to 1.5°C, accelerated energy efficiency gains and CO2 removal are crucial, with a tight constraint on future carbon emissions required, and global carbon neutrality needed 10-20 years earlier than projected for a 2°C target
A new paper published in Biogeosciences confirms that the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere has increased with rising carbon emissions. This is a positive development, as it suggests that without this increased absorption, CO2 levels would be twice what they are today.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change shows that growing biofuel crops can have a significant impact on climate depending on the location and crop type. The study found that the most important factor influencing the direct climate impact of biofuels is location, accounting for 90% of the variation in greenhouse gas emissions.
The study analyzes three options for power plant carbon standards and finds that stronger standards can prevent an estimated 3,500 premature deaths annually. States with the greatest dependence on coal-fired electricity are expected to see the largest health gains.
A new study led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that making realistic changes to UK diets could have substantial benefits for both health and the environment. The modified diet would contain fewer animal products, more fruit and vegetables, and less savoury snacks.
Despite plateauing emissions, China still faces energy challenges to sustain control over its carbon footprint. The country's transition towards renewable energy and service-oriented economy are key factors in achieving emission-cutting goals.
Recent research showed that replacing chemical fertilizer with organic manure significantly decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming improved crop yields while reversing the agriculture ecosystem's role as a carbon source, becoming a carbon sink.
Research reveals that selectively-logged tropical forests, which account for 30% of global rainforests, contain up to 64% dead wood, leading to increased carbon emissions. This study suggests that a large proportion of forests worldwide are less sinks and more sources of carbon dioxide.
Chemists have designed four new atomic arrangements of gold nanoparticle clusters, exhibiting lower potential energy and greater stability than previous configurations. The arrangements could inform the use of these nanoparticles in transporting pharmaceutical drugs and removing pollutants from industrial byproducts.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have resolved an unexplained gap in global emissions reports, finding that developing countries are significantly contributing to the issue. The study used atmospheric measurements and models to evaluate reported HFC emissions and found inconsistencies in reporting, with some gases being over- o...
A recent slowdown in global average temperatures is having no effect on the planet's projected warming by 2100. The study found that long-term temperature outcomes are unaffected by short-term variability, with greenhouse gases expected to overwhelm natural fluctuations and lead to dangerous levels of warming.
Climate models assume plants will absorb more CO2 as carbon dioxide levels rise, but a new study suggests limited soil nutrients may curb this growth. The research found that nitrogen limitation could reduce plant uptake of CO2 by 19%, while combined limitations would decrease it by 25%.
A new study reveals that California's forests and wildlands are significant carbon reservoirs, but also release more greenhouse gases through wildfires and deforestation than expected. The findings have implications for the state's efforts to meet its Global Warming Solutions Act goals.
Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology have discovered that ordinary clay can effectively capture carbon dioxide (CO2), rivaling other materials used for this purpose. The smectite clay's surface is responsible for binding CO2, with ions associated with the surface being the active capturers.
A new nationwide data inventory, DARTE, provides a baseline for local efforts to limit carbon dioxide levels by tracking vehicle emissions across the US. The study highlights the need for accurate information to improve greenhouse gas control efforts in cities and suburbs.
Researchers found a 36-70% reduction in methane emissions from local natural gas distribution systems, largely due to upgrades and regulatory changes. The study, led by Washington State University, suggests that the industry's contribution to US greenhouse gas emissions is lower than previously estimated.
An international team of scientists found that global vegetation has increased by nearly 4 billion tonnes of carbon since 2003, driven by environmental and economic factors. The increase was largely due to tree-planting projects in China and changes in rainfall patterns in regions like Australia and Africa.
A study found that government biofuel policies rely on reductions in food consumption to generate greenhouse gas savings. The reduction in food available for consumption drives the decline in carbon dioxide emissions. This means that less food is available, and prices go up, disproportionately affecting the world's poor.
A new study reveals that the 2011 Japan earthquake triggered a significant release of climate-warming gases, including CFC-11 and HCFC-22, contributing to global warming. The study found that emissions increased by 21-91% over typical levels, equivalent to about 10% of Japanese vehicle emissions in 2011.
Human intervention in arctic and boreal wetlands results in significant increase of CO2 emissions, leading to overall warming effect despite decrease in methane emission. Conversion of temperate wetlands into agricultural land causes higher climate impact due to increased radiative forcing.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers suggests that setting a high carbon tax can help delay the likelihood of irreparable climate change damages and trigger future tipping points. By applying an insurance premium to carbon emissions, policymakers can mitigate the prospect of abrupt changes in the climate system.
A 30-year study reveals the Amazon's capacity to absorb carbon from the atmosphere is declining due to increased tree mortality rates. The forest, once a vast 'carbon sink', is now being overtaken by fossil fuel emissions, exacerbating climate change.
New study finds that farms with lower carbon footprints and higher-producing cows are more profitable, offering a win-win solution for the dairy industry. By increasing milk production, decreasing herd replacement rates, or improving reproductive efficiency, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining profitability.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a way to improve the cost-effectiveness of CO2 scrubbing using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). By appending diamine molecules, they were able to more than triple the CO2-scrubbing capacity and reduce parasitic energy.
Researchers have developed a new material that can capture carbon dioxide from air more efficiently than current methods, releasing CO2 at lower temperatures. This technology could reduce energy costs by half or more for power plants and potentially be used in submarines to remove CO2 from the sea.
A new method of carbon accounting has been proposed to provide a fairer way of measuring emissions. The method considers consumption-based accounting and adjusts for technology differences between countries in their export sectors. This results in some countries receiving credits for cleaning up their own production industries.
Scientists have developed a more effective carbon capture method that can capture larger quantities of CO2 at much lower temperatures, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This new approach has the potential to make carbon capture less energy-intensive and cost-effective.
A new study proposes a decision-making threshold for electrification, which can increase or lower carbon emissions depending on the region's electricity production. Regions with high-carbon electricity production, such as China and Australia, may actually experience increased emissions when transitioning to electric-powered technologie...
Scientists found that electric car driving range and emissions differ greatly depending on regional energy sources and climate, with extreme temperatures affecting battery efficiency. The study's analysis revealed that geographical differences can influence the energy implications of electric vehicles.
INRS has received significant funding to develop new fibre laser systems, electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction, and terahertz technologies. These collaborations aim to enhance broadband communication and energy efficiency, while addressing greenhouse gas conversion and chemical detection needs.
Researchers have detected a mysterious high plume on Mars, extending horizontally about 500 km and reaching an exceptional altitude of 200-250 km above the planet's surface. The team used images from amateur astronomers and spacecraft to analyze the phenomenon, exploring possible scenarios such as cloud or auroral emission.
Scientists say low-carbon technologies alone may not be enough to reduce atmospheric CO2 by 80%. Instead, negative-emissions technologies that remove CO2 from the atmosphere are being developed. BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) is a promising technology that can be used in power plants or factories.
A National Research Council committee recommends exploring CO2 removal strategies, while cautioning against sunlight-reflecting tactics due to environmental and health risks. The committee calls for increased research into all climate intervention possibilities to address the urgent need to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
The loss of underwater posidonia meadows reduces their ability to capture and store atmospheric CO2, and can also lead to the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere. Seagrass meadows, like those studied, play a crucial role in mitigating anthropogenic emissions by capturing carbon.
A new UC Berkeley study shows that combining biomass electricity production with carbon capture and sequestration can store more carbon than emitted, making the western US a critical contributor to an overall zero-carbon future. The technology could reduce emissions by up to 80% by 2050 and even become carbon-negative.
A NASA scientist is developing a new laser instrument sensitive to methane, another potent greenhouse gas. The Methane Sounder will provide high-resolution, accurate, and around-the-clock global measurements, which could help understand current trends and mitigate its effects.
A novel class of materials has been developed to remove greenhouse gas from power plant emissions, offering a safer and more energy-efficient process. The microcapsules contain liquid sorbents encased in highly permeable polymer shells, achieving an order-of-magnitude increase in CO2 absorption rates.
Research team from University of Southampton found that atmospheric CO2 levels during the Pliocene era matched recent years, supporting recent climate change predictions. The study estimates climate sensitivity and reveals differences in climate response between warmer and colder periods.
A new analysis finds that ocean acidification could significantly impact up to 21-32% of calcifying marine species, including coral, clams, and sea urchins. This widespread impact could have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems worldwide, as these species provide essential nursery habitats and food sources for other marine organisms.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research suggests that supporting clean technologies like renewables and carbon capture can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions even with weak CO2 pricing. The researchers used a state-of-the-art computer model to analyze different policy instruments and their interactions.
A Yale-led study suggests that only 27-34% of world's wood fuel is unsustainable, highlighting the need for nuanced, local-specific climate and forest policies in developing nations. The research also identifies 'hotspots' where deforestation exceeds sustainable yields, primarily in South Asia and East Africa.
A new model suggests California will meet its 2020 GHG reduction goal, with potential for 40% reductions by 2030. The state's policies are expected to result in significant emission reductions, with individual policies quantified for the first time.
A new study finds that traditional yak dung burning in Tibetan households releases high levels of fine particulate matter, including black carbon. The pollution poses a significant health risk to the local population, who spend most of their time indoors during the cold season.
A new study suggests that the social cost of carbon is not $37 per ton as previously estimated, but $220 per ton. This higher estimate justifies rapid and early mitigation efforts to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius. The research also explores the impact on developing countries, suggesting that delaying emissions redu...
A new study by Stanford University School of Engineering suggests the social cost of carbon dioxide emissions could be six times higher than previously estimated. The researchers estimated that the actual cost could be $220, which justifies rapid and early mitigation measures to limit global temperature rise.
A UCLA study found that environmental messages can significantly reduce energy use, with participants reducing their electricity consumption by an average of 8% after receiving weekly emails highlighting the health and environmental benefits. The most effective message was one that combined both ideas, reminding people that energy redu...
Global CO2 emissions hit a new all-time record of 35.3 billion tonnes in 2013, with China's emissions increasing at a slower rate than usual due to energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy growth. The US saw a slight increase in emissions, while the EU continued to decrease emissions.
A global fleet of composite planes could reduce CO2 emissions by 14-15% if introduced widely, thanks to fuel savings. However, the aviation industry's overall emissions reduction will be lower due to a mix of new and old aircraft in service.
Researchers found that a past global warming period, the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum, had two rapid carbon release events about 55.5 million years ago, releasing an average of 0.9 petagrams of carbon per year, similar to modern anthropogenic emissions.
The study assesses major economies' greenhouse gas emissions under different scenarios. It finds that current pledges lead to earlier emission peaking and less warming than without these policies, but not sufficient for the 2°C target. Financial support of $100-150 billion/year by 2030 could achieve efficiency in reducing emissions.
Researchers found that ancient global warming resembled modern climate shift, involving two pulses of carbon emissions. The Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum, which occurred 56 million years ago, showed similar rates of carbon release to human fossil-fuel emissions today.
A group of economists and lawyers recommend updating the Social Cost of Carbon estimate every five years to incorporate the latest research, ensuring its reliability. The authors argue that a single estimate should be maintained and shared by all government agencies to provide consistent climate policies.
A study by Carnegie Institution scientists Katharine Ricke and Ken Caldeira found that climate warming caused by a single carbon emission reaches its maximum effect within 10 years. This refutes the common misconception of decades-long delays and benefits current generations, not just future ones.
Researchers found that CO2 warming effects peak within 10 years of emission and persist for over a century. The study suggests that current efforts to reduce emissions will benefit not only future generations but also people alive today.
A new theoretical equation demonstrates that every million-million tonnes of carbon emitted will generate one degree Celsius of global warming. The research also shows that surface warming is related to total carbon emissions, with little change over time as ocean carbon and heat uptake cancel each other out.
A study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that forest protection policies alone will not reduce CO2 emissions from land-use change. Implementing comprehensive conservation schemes covering all land types is crucial, as intensifying agriculture can generate higher yields to compensate for reduced land availability.