Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A study of over 3,000 households found that only 21 percent accounted for 50 percent of greenhouse gas emissions. Large living spaces and long commutes were key factors contributing to a disproportionately large environmental footprint.
The UK chemical industry must radically transform its production processes to achieve absolute emission reductions by 2050, according to a new report. The sector's energy intensity and reliance on high-emission feedstocks pose significant challenges to meeting the Government's 80% greenhouse gas reduction target.
Researchers at MIT have developed an electrochemical system for capturing carbon dioxide from power plant emissions that can operate without a steam connection. This 'plug-and-play' solution could potentially capture 90% of CO2 from plant emissions while consuming only 25% of the plant's power output.
A new method for converting CO2 into methanol has been developed by Université Laval researchers. The catalyst is made of two chemical groups and produces little waste, making it more effective than previous methods.
A new study by researchers from IIASA and CICERO estimates that personal travel impacts the climate, with air travel having the biggest impact per distance traveled. The study suggests that choosing trains, buses, or carpooling can significantly reduce an individual's carbon footprint.
The Ehux genome reveals variability that explains its ability to thrive in diverse ocean conditions, influencing global carbon cycling. The pan-genome analysis sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of physiological and morphological variations among isolates.
A new study finds that China's CO2 emissions are largely driven by products consumed in other provinces or countries, not just where they're produced. The researchers propose a consumption-based accounting approach to reduce emissions and promote fair distribution of responsibilities globally.
Researchers connect local consumption to global land use through tracking international trade flows, revealing a significant impact on developed countries' domestic resources. The study highlights the importance of developing economies like China and India in addressing environmental pressures.
A study by UCI and others found that China is outsourcing carbon emissions within its own borders, with 80% of CO2 emissions from coastal provinces coming from poorer interior provinces. This domestic outsourcing is driven by pollution abatement targets, which prioritize reductions in more developed areas.
University of Calgary researchers plan to deploy and test inexpensive methane biofilters to reduce low-volume methane emissions in the petroleum, forest, and agriculture industries. The project aims to convert methane to carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their contribution to global warming.
A recent study published in International Journal of Modern Physics B suggests that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for global warming, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research, led by Qing-Bin Lu, reveals a strong correlation between CFC levels and global temperatures.
A new study concludes that nuclear power has prevented about 1.84 million air pollution-related deaths and released 64 billion tons of greenhouse gases since 1971. By mid-century, nuclear power could prevent up to 7 million additional deaths and 240 billion tons of emissions.
A study by Griffith University Climate Change Response Program finds that planting trees does not offset fossil fuel CO2 emissions, highlighting the urgent need to rethink land management practices. Protecting natural forests and restoring degraded ecosystems are crucial components of the solution.
Researchers used a new method combining observations and climate models to project future warming, finding 63% of uncertainty came from single sources such as climate sensitivity. The study suggests that exceeding 6 degrees warming is unlikely, while exceeding 2 degrees is very likely for business-as-usual emissions.
A study by researchers at Empa and ETH Zurich found that none of Switzerland's households meet the 2000-watt society target, but those with high standards of living consume significantly less energy. Improving transportation and living habits are key to achieving a sustainable future.
A new MIT-led lifecycle assessment found that more than two-thirds of a running shoe's carbon impact can come from manufacturing processes. The researchers identified hotspots of greenhouse-gas emissions in the production of small, lightweight parts such as soles and found ways to reduce waste by recycling scraps and streamlining assem...
Researchers from Arizona State University launch a crowdsourced 'game' called Ventus to quantify global power plant CO2 emissions, empowering citizen scientists to contribute valuable information for climate change solutions.
A Canadian research project is testing the use of low-carbon fuels from construction and demolition waste, railway ties, and asphalt shingles to power cement plants. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions, with the potential to decrease Canada's carbon footprint by up to 3%.
Using grocery delivery services can significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, with trucks producing 20-75% less CO2 than personal vehicles driven to and from stores. Clustering customers together also leads to significant savings for companies, with up to 90% less emissions.
A global-scale modeling study finds that carbon emissions from human activities on land were 40% higher in the 1990s due to nitrogen's limiting effect on plant growth. This underestimation has significant implications for international policy, requiring deeper emission cuts to meet mitigation targets.
New research indicates that reducing emissions of black carbon, methane, and other pollutants can significantly slow sea level rise. The study found that cuts in these four heat-trapping pollutants could temporarily forestall the rate of sea level rise by roughly 25 to 50 percent.
A type of marine algae, Emiliania huxleyi, has been found to be resilient to ocean acidification under high CO2 levels. Although cells grew more slowly under the high CO2 scenario, they did not dissolve away and possessed more calcite, suggesting some ability to tolerate future CO2 scenarios.
New research shows that reducing emissions of short-lived pollutants like methane, tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons can temporarily forestall the rate of sea level rise. This could lower the threat to coastal cities by stabilizing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.
A team led by UCSB professors found that certain microscopic shelled plants, such as Emiliania huxleyi, can tolerate high levels of carbon dioxide and even increase shell production, but may grow slower. This discovery suggests variable responses in marine organisms to ocean acidification.
A new study suggests that carbon dioxide removal can alleviate the most costly components of climate change mitigation, allowing for more flexible emissions control. The study found that bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (CCS) could halve aggregate mitigation costs over the 21st century if available.
A nationwide field study will quantify methane emissions throughout US natural gas distribution systems to estimate national emissions rates. The study aims to improve energy policies and management practices for a cleaner environment.
New research estimates that Europe can potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use by over 60% by 2050 through efficient agriculture and forest management. This reduction would be driven primarily by cutting emissions from livestock production and optimizing forest management to increase carbon sequestration.
A new study by Duke University suggests that tougher EPA air-quality standards may make nearly two-thirds of US coal-fired power plants as expensive to run as plants powered by natural gas. The stricter regulations could spur an increased shift away from coal towards natural gas, especially if fuel prices rise significantly.
A Rice University team has found that using waste heat can remove more CO2 from coal-fired power plant emissions economically. The researchers hope to reduce the costs of CO2 capture by creating an integrated reaction column that uses waste heat, engineered materials and optimized components.
Researchers have successfully tested a new clean coal technology that captures 99.5% of carbon dioxide emissions, paving the way for potential commercial use. The technology uses two inexpensive but polluting forms of coal and operated continuously for 200 hours without shutdown.
A collaborative study between NREL and ANL identifies strategies to reduce petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector by 80% by 2050. The study reveals opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, increased use of electricity and hydrogen, and expanded biofuels.
GCEP is awarding $6.6 million to seven research teams at Stanford and Carnegie Mellon for innovative projects on clean energy and carbon capture. These projects aim to develop technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce electricity or hydrogen fuel, with potential applications in the coming decades.
Household carbon emissions in Northwestern China are mainly affected by geographic environment, family size, and income, with a relatively low per capita emission of 2.05 tons CO2. Household carbon emission varies between urban and rural households, as well as between provinces.
A study developed a new model to improve climate balance in agriculture by identifying key factors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and energy inefficiencies. Organic farming strategies, such as planting legumes and using soil less intensively, show promise for reducing emissions and improving yields.
A new study projects that most coral reefs will experience annual bleaching events by 2045, with a quarter experiencing them up to five years earlier. Reducing carbon emissions can delay these events in nearly a quarter of reef areas for over two decades.
A geoengineering coalition aims to reduce climate change by deflecting sun radiation, but new research suggests excluding non-participating countries may be counterproductive. Maintaining openness and inclusiveness in decision-making processes could be crucial for successful geoengineering efforts.
Researchers will explore yielding more high-quality organic rice using environmentally friendly methods. The studies aim to improve soil quality, reduce disease loss and increase yield and milling quality for the crop.
CSIRO researchers develop a 'solar sponge' that captures CO2 using natural sunlight, then releases it instantly when exposed to UV light. This breakthrough presents an energy-efficient method for recycling CO2 emissions, reducing the need for coal-based energy and conserving up to 30% of power plant production capacity.
Researchers propose bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and biochar as solutions to achieve net-negative emissions. BECCS captures CO2 emissions from power plants, while biochar uses pyrolysis to produce a fertilizer that absorbs atmospheric CO2.
A new study by University of Toronto Professor Chris Kennedy and World Bank climate change specialist Lorraine Sugar shows that cities can make a positive difference in reducing GHG emissions. They propose realistic steps such as increasing bicycling infrastructure and encouraging electric cars to achieve a 70% reduction in emissions.
Researchers have discovered a photosensitive metal organic framework (MOF) that can absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from coal power stations. The MOF can release stored CO2 when exposed to sunlight, making it a promising new tool for reducing emissions.
A low-carbon hybrid energy system is proposed to integrate coal with nuclear, wind, solar, biomass, and hydro power to reduce CO2 emission and recycle carbon. The system utilizes carbon recycling to produce useful materials while increasing energy efficiency.
A new national poll conducted by Duke University found that 64% of Americans strongly support regulating greenhouse gas emissions and requiring utilities to switch to lower-carbon fuel sources. However, support for market-based approaches like cap-and-trade or a carbon tax is low, with only 29% in favor.
A study suggests that Toronto can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 31-71% by 2031 by implementing a low-carbon urban infrastructure plan. The aggressive scenario includes retrofitting all existing buildings, using renewable heating and cooling systems, and proliferating electric cars.
Researchers developed an ultra-sensitive sensor to detect one molecule of carbon dioxide, improving the accuracy of monitoring and measurement. The sensor technology has the potential to reduce emissions in various industries.
Experts at Newcastle University have discovered a way to convert CO2 into harmless calcium or magnesium carbonate using Nickel nanoparticles. This process has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from industries such as power stations and chemical processing plants.
A new study estimates that the cow-calf phase produces the greatest greenhouse gas emissions during beef production, with methane emissions from a roughage diet. This finding highlights the importance of managing cattle feed and nutrition to reduce carbon footprint.
Researchers are developing economic models to reduce the economic costs of implementing carbon dioxide emission-reducing policies, encouraging low-carbon innovation. The project aims to show both positive and negative impacts of policies to encourage low-carbon innovation.
A new international study finds that black carbon, a byproduct of smoke and smog, contributes twice as much to global warming as previously estimated. The research suggests that controlling emissions can deliver more immediate climate benefits than reducing carbon dioxide.
A new study suggests that the current approach to addressing climate change is insufficient and requires drastic cuts in CO2 emissions. The researchers propose a more radical transformation of the global energy system, with a focus on developing new, carbon-free power sources.
Current technology cannot provide the carbon-neutral power needed to address climate change; a minimum of 31 new wedges of renewable energy are required. The Department of Global Ecology at Carnegie Institution aims to develop sustainable solutions for environmental issues, including climate change.
Researchers say limiting global temperature rise to 2°C requires reducing emissions to 41-47 gigatons per year by 2020. This is the only way to meet long-term climate targets without carbon capture and storage, according to a new study published in Nature Climate Change.
A new, patented sensor-housing technology allows for long-term automated monitoring of greenhouse gases in cold environments, providing energy savings and stability. Developed by Professor David Risk, the technology can detect CO2 levels without halting injections or using secondary wells.
A speed limit on container ships near ports and coastlines could reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and soot by up to 60-70% compared to traditional cruising speeds. This measure could significantly protect the health of people living in coastal areas.
Researchers developing geo-electric technology aim to enhance seismic monitoring of CO2 injection, allowing for better tracking of the gas's movement. The technique has the potential to increase safety and public acceptance of carbon sequestration operations.
Kerosene wick lamps release 20 times more black carbon than previously thought, a hazard for human health and the environment. Replacing kerosene lamps with inexpensive LED alternatives can curb black carbon emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Researchers in Quebec develop a process to remove most of the carbon dioxide from emissions through chemical reactions with crushed rocks. The resulting carbonate byproducts can be sold for use as a refractory material or wastewater treatment agent.
A team of Princeton researchers found that using synthetic fuel made from coal, natural gas, and non-food crops could cut US vehicle greenhouse emissions by up to 50% in the next several decades. The process is competitive with crude oil production and has potential environmental advantages.
Scientists using NASA satellite data and climate models have projected an increase in fire risk across the US by 2050, with more fire seasons expected to be longer and stronger. The analysis suggests that greenhouse gas emissions will lead to drier conditions favoring fire activity.
Researchers found that nitrous oxide emissions in California may account for 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions, with a potential impact on the state's 2020 emission reduction targets. The study used a new method combining atmospheric measurements and model predictions to estimate N2O levels.