Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A new study found that underground gas injection was correlated with small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas, between 2006 and 2011. The researchers suggest that geological faults may be responsible for the triggering of these quakes in some areas but not others.
A new study suggests that coral reefs can adapt to moderate climate warming if there are significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The research found that corals have already adapted to part of the warming that has occurred over the past 40 to 60 years, and could potentially reduce bleaching by 20-80% through genetic adaptation.
Engineers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have designed a model to maximize energy savings and CO2 reductions by using solar power for heating and cooling. The system, which can be installed in large office blocks, can provide air conditioning or heating according to daily needs.
Researchers have found that funeral pyres in South Asia emit significant amounts of sunlight-absorbing organic carbon aerosols, known as brown carbon. This finding highlights the importance of quantifying and characterizing regional combustion activities to enhance climate models.
A new study by Duke University researchers finds that China's planned synthetic gas plants would produce massive greenhouse gas emissions, using up to 100 times the water as shale gas production. The plants' carbon dioxide emissions would be seven times higher than traditional natural gas plants and lock in high emissions for decades.
A University of Michigan researcher challenges the widely held notion that biofuels like ethanol are carbon neutral, arguing that plants used to make fuel do not remove additional CO2 from the atmosphere. He suggests reforestation and protecting forests as more effective ways to address climate change.
A new study finds that delaying climate policy could lead to increased short-term mitigation costs, higher energy prices, and reduced emission reductions. If climate policies are delayed beyond 2030, global energy price levels may increase by 80% in the short term.
Researchers mapped carbon footprints of 434 UK municipalities, finding that lifestyle, education, and household cars significantly impact CO2 emissions. The study reveals the UK's municipalities have high territorial emissions, despite lower overall carbon footprint compared to global production.
A new study published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics finds that gas flaring from oil extraction in the Arctic accounts for 42% of black carbon concentrations. Residential combustion emissions also play a significant role in black carbon pollution, contributing to the warming effect on ice and snow.
A new study reveals that Pacific flights create the most amount of ozone, with the highest sensitivity in an area east of the Solomon Islands. Flights leaving and entering Australia and New Zealand result in the largest ozone production, with some flights producing up to 25,300 kg of ozone.
Fires in eastern Russia's Siberia and Urals are often set by farmers to return nutrients to the soil and clear unwanted plants. These fires produce smoke degrading air quality, highlighting the need for fire management teams to limit uncontrolled wildfires.
Researchers project heat waves will increase in frequency and severity, covering 85% of the global land area by 2100 under a high emission scenario. The study found that extreme heat waves will be more damaging to society and ecosystems, causing heat-related deaths, forest fires, and losses to agricultural production.
By 2040, heat extremes are expected to increase substantially due to climate change, affecting 85% of the global land area. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions could prevent this, but current trends suggest a near-term inevitability.
A new strategy known as "low-temperature combustion" (LTC) might lead to broader use of cleaner diesel engines in the US. LTC reduces NOx and smoke emissions by recirculating exhaust gases and spraying fuel earlier in the engine cycle.
New research reveals that baby corals can survive in acidic conditions, but adult corals may face significant challenges. Ocean acidification could impede the ability of adult corals to build skeletons and grow.
Researchers propose carbon farming as an environmentally friendly method to sequester massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. A new study shows that one hectare of Jatropha curcas plants could capture up to 25 tonnes of atmospheric carbon dioxide per year, making it a competitive alternative to other geoengineering techniques.
A pilot project is testing deep geologic storage of CO2 in ancient basalt flows in southeastern Washington. The goal is to safely and permanently store greenhouse gas emissions, with potential global implications.
A new study found that tropical ecosystems are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, releasing more carbon dioxide when temperatures rise. This is equivalent to 1/3 of global emissions from fossil fuels and deforestation, making it a critical diagnostic tool for understanding the global carbon cycle.
New research shows that most big data centers could slash their greenhouse gas emissions by 88% by switching to efficient equipment and improving energy management. Improving computing efficiency is the key factor, with renewable power helping reduce emissions by 98% when combined with other strategies.
A new study suggests that using free market platforms to combat climate change can be as effective as mandatory emissions cap and trade schemes. Researchers monitored the European Climate Exchange and found it efficient in reducing carbon emissions.
Researchers developed an integrated global energy system to assess the cost-effectiveness of BECCS for meeting stringent temperature targets. They found that implementing BECCS on a large scale can reduce temperature increases to as low as 1.5°C by 2150.
Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that can separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen in flue gas mixtures, reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations. This material has remarkable selectivity and is energy-efficient, allowing for easy regeneration and reuse.
Scientists compare results from three commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects, revealing that not all sites are equal and successful implementation requires careful appraisal. The study's findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring at CCS storage sites to ensure secure storage.
A new study suggests that increased atmospheric CO2 levels are altering the types of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria in the ocean, with implications for ocean productivity and fisheries. The research found that certain strains of these bacteria thrive in high CO2 environments, while others may struggle to survive.
A new study finds that all existing coral reefs will be engulfed in inhospitable ocean chemistry conditions if civilization continues on its current emissions trajectory. Deep cuts in emissions are necessary to sustain even a fraction of existing reefs.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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...
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%.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.