Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A new study by Carnegie Institution scientists reveals that many developed countries outsource their carbon emissions to developing countries, with some emitting up to four times more CO2 per person than they consume. The research highlights the need for global climate policy to account for emissions embodied in trade.
Researchers from Moors for the Future Partnership are using techniques like re-establishing heather plants, rebuilding paths, and gully blocking to reduce erosion. These methods aim to absorb around 400,000 tonnes of carbon a year, equivalent to 1.1 billion car miles or 84,000 family-sized cars.
Pioneering research reveals policymakers are underestimating the scale of CO2 emission reductions required to mitigate climate change. A computer software developed at the University of Manchester helps authorities in different countries troubleshoot their approaches to emissions.
Carbon capture and storage technology is crucial for reducing CO2 emissions, but its widespread deployment requires a regulatory policy with a market incentive. Rubin argues that effective climate policies are necessary to incentivize the development of cleaner energy alternatives.
A UCI study found that urban 'green' spaces, including lawns, can emit more greenhouse gases than they absorb through photosynthesis and soil storage. Turfgrass management practices like fertilizer use, mowing, and leaf blowing contribute to significant emissions.
Researchers at Queen's University suggest examining GHG emissions implications for energy infrastructure to optimize greenhouse gas emission reductions. They propose using dynamic life-cycle analyses to determine carbon-neutral growth rates, which could help policy makers restructure renewable energy production.
Climate experts propose international research and field-testing on solar-radiation management (SRM) to limit climate change impacts. SRM could offset this century's predicted global average temperature rise more than 100 times cheaper than cutting emissions.
A team of scientists is tracking carbon captured by plants and grasses to develop more efficient ways to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. Bioenergy crops could reduce emissions by several million tonnes in the UK over the next decade.
A UCI study found that urban green spaces, particularly lawns, can actually contribute to global warming through greenhouse gas emissions from fertilizer production, mowing, and other maintenance practices. The study suggests that these emissions outweigh the carbon sequestration benefits of lawns.
A Scripps/LLNL team has won a grant to improve greenhouse gas emissions verification using continuous atmospheric measurements. The method will focus on industrially produced gases with limited sources, aiming to create reliable computer representations of emissions activity.
A study published in Psychological Science found that labels can influence people's attitudes towards certain policies. In a study, participants were offered the choice between two identical items with different prices, one labeled as a carbon offset and the other as a carbon tax. The results showed that Democrats supported the offset ...
A new study suggests that policymakers should focus on achieving mid-century emission targets to preserve long-term options for avoiding dangerous levels of warming. The research identifies critical mid-century thresholds that would make particular goals unachievable with current energy technologies.
Researchers propose using buried volcanic rocks to store carbon dioxide emitted by power plants, with potential sites identified off northern New Jersey, Long Island and Massachusetts. The study suggests that deep burial in these basalt formations could help reduce risks of leaks.
A new report highlights the benefits of reducing emissions from deforestation, including conservation of carbon and biodiversity hotspots. However, it also warns of challenges in implementing REDD without displacing agricultural activities in lower-carbon but equally biodiverse areas.
Researchers at UCLA have genetically modified a cyanobacterium to consume carbon dioxide and produce isobutanol, a potential gasoline alternative. This method recycles carbon dioxide, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and uses solar energy, making it an efficient and less expensive approach than current biofuel production methods.
The USGS estimates that the nation's forests and soils could store an additional 3-7 billion metric tons of carbon, equivalent to 2-4 years of US CO2 emissions. This potential is achieved by using agricultural lands for planting forests.
A new pan-tropical forest mapping initiative, launched at COP15, aims to provide accurate data on forest cover and carbon stocks. The project combines satellite and lidar data from NASA and JAXA, enabling countries to build robust national carbon accounting systems.
Researchers from the University of Valladolid have measured CO2 levels in a rural area near Valladolid, finding significant increases between 2002 and 2005. The study reveals an annual increase of 3 ppm, highlighting the impact of emissions and atmospheric conditions on carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers propose a novel configuration of existing components to create a power plant that runs on natural gas without emitting greenhouse gases. The system has the advantage of producing clean water as a side benefit and could be retrofitted with carbon capture technologies.
A University of Minnesota study found that elevated CO2 levels can reduce species richness by 16 percent under ambient conditions, but this effect is halved when more CO2 is added. The interaction between CO2 and nitrogen enrichment ameliorates biodiversity loss, offering relief in the fight against environmental degradation
A new strategy proposes a biodiversity-focused approach to reduce carbon emissions from deforestation, favoring high-biodiversity nations in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. This approach has been shown to contribute more to slowing biodiversity loss than traditional carbon-based credit scenarios.
A new study suggests that Brazil can end deforestation in the Amazon by 2020 with the help of market forces and government will. The estimated cost of achieving this goal is between $6.5 billion to $18 billion, which would result in a 2-5% reduction in global carbon dioxide emissions.
A new study suggests that safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is key to preventing climate change in Indian cities. By prioritizing non-motorized transport, cities like Delhi can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save lives from road traffic injuries, and promote physical activity.
The study found that peatland fires in Indonesia released up to 900 million metric tons of CO2 in 2006, equivalent to 16% of deforestation worldwide emissions. Peatlands store enormous amounts of organic carbon, and human activities like drainage and deforestation make them vulnerable to fire.
Studies show that reducing carbon-based electricity generation in India, China, and EU states will lead to substantial health benefits due to decreased air pollution. In India, a 50% CO2 reduction by 2050 can avert 93,000 premature deaths.
A series of studies published in The Lancet show that cutting greenhouse gases can directly reduce premature deaths and improve global health, particularly in low-income countries. The research highlights the co-benefits of tackling climate change by reducing air pollution and improving public health.
Global CO2 emissions increased by 29% since 2000, with a tripling of annual growth rate compared to the 1990s. The report attributes the rise to increasing production and trade of manufactured products, shifting from oil to coal.
A Yale geophysicist has found that the world's oceans are absorbing less carbon dioxide over the past 50 years. This reduced absorption rate could lead to faster climate change due to a longer lag time between temperature fluctuations and CO2 level changes.
New research reveals that European forests and grasslands can only compensate for 15% of the continent's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural land and peat-lands cancel out almost all carbon sink, leaving a net effect of only 2%.
A University of Utah scientist argues that energy conservation doesn't save energy, but instead spurs economic growth and accelerated energy consumption. The study finds a constant link between global energy use and accumulated economic productivity, tied to a physical constant of 9.7 milliwatts per inflation-adjusted dollar.
Scientists estimate a decline in the oceans' ability to absorb manmade carbon, potentially impacting future climate. The study found that the proportion of fossil-fuel emissions absorbed by the oceans since 2000 may have declined by up to 10%.
Carbon dioxide emissions from human activities reached an all-time high of 1.3 tonnes of carbon per capita per year in 2008, driven mainly by increased use of coal. The global effort to reduce emissions from human activity must be accelerated to avoid the worst-case scenario of climate change.
Global fossil fuel CO2 emissions increased by 29% between 2008 and 2000 due to growing coal use and international trade. The natural carbon sinks' efficiency has decreased, allowing more CO2 to remain in the atmosphere. This rise highlights the need for drastic reduction in global CO2 emissions.
A team of scientists argue that slowing global warming through REDD policies may not fully protect biodiversity. The researchers suggest that careless implementation could lead to the degradation of high-biodiversity areas instead.
A new UN climate treaty may inadvertently increase the risk of extinction for some species as governments prioritize reducing deforestation in high-carbon forests. The REDD scheme aims to curb carbon emissions by financially rewarding tropical countries that reduce forest clearance.
A new study reveals that the healthcare industry in the US accounts for nearly 10% of the country's total carbon dioxide emissions, despite only accounting for 16% of the nation's gross domestic product. Hospitals and pharmaceutical industries are among the largest contributors to this environmental impact.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new adsorption technology that makes carbon a key material in green heating products, reducing domestic fuel bills and CO2 emissions. The technology can create heat pumps that are up to 20 times smaller than previously possible, with potential savings of 30% or more.
The study found that terrestrial ecosystems and oceans have a much greater capacity to absorb CO2 than previously thought, with the airborne fraction of CO2 remaining stable at 0.7% per decade since 1850. This challenges recent research suggesting a decrease in absorption capacity as CO2 emissions rise.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that everyday actions such as home weatherization and vehicle maintenance can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The research estimated that these measures could cut total US carbon emissions by 5% over five years and 7.4% in 10 years.
An international team of top climate scientists has found a critical error in the carbon accounting method used to measure compliance with carbon limits. The flaw could create strong economic incentives for large-scale land conversion, which would exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study finds that a global biofuels program could result in twice as much carbon loss from displaced food crops and pastures as the CO2 emissions from land dedicated to biofuels production. Increased fertilizer use for biofuels production also causes significant nitrous oxide emissions, potentially surpassing CO2 emissions by 2100.
A fixable error in carbon counting could undermine biofuels' effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Correct accounting is crucial to mitigate climate change and protect investments. Bioenergy can capture more carbon than existing plants, but cutting down forests to replace them releases more CO2.
Researchers argue that short- and medium-lived pollutants like soot, ozone, and methane contribute significantly to near-term climate change. Experts recommend adopting aggressive reduction targets for these pollutants and establishing a new treaty framework.
A team of scientists identified an error in climate treaty accounting rules for bioenergy that could encourage deforestation. The error stems from exempting carbon dioxide from bioenergy use without counting land-use emissions, creating perverse incentives to clear land.
Experts Dr. David B. Rutledge and Robert C. Milici present opposing views on US coal peak production, with Rutledge estimating ultimate production at 665 billion metric tons and predicting mitigation of CO2 emissions from climate change. Milici's model predicts a range of 2062-2105 for peak production, citing uncertainty in reserve est...
The study highlights the need for a portfolio of measures to minimize climate change impacts while allowing city growth. It emphasizes protecting homes from flooding and reducing carbon emissions, water usage, and moving towards cleaner transport.
A feasibility study on new carbon capture and storage technology has been funded for the $140 billion pulp, paper and paperboard industry. The study aims to assess the potential for safely storing CO2 in deep underground basalt formations.
Researchers at Louisiana Tech University have developed innovative geopolymer concrete technology that utilizes fly ash to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%. The new material boasts higher corrosion resistance, fire resistance, and compressive strength compared to traditional Portland cement.
A new study documents how climate, population density and factors affect GHG emissions in global cities, with Denver releasing the largest amount of gases and Barcelona the smallest. The study identifies strategies for reducing emissions, including carbon reduction and efficient transportation systems.
The Field Museum has received a three-year grant to establish new conservation landscapes in Amazonian Peru. The project aims to secure legal protection for high-priority forests and indigenous territories, while also promoting sustainable management and financing through the REDD voluntary carbon market.
Researchers at MIT have developed a pressurized oxy-fuel combustion system that reduces energy penalty and increases efficiency of carbon capture systems for power plants. The technology aims to make carbon sequestration more practical and affordable, helping to curb global climate change.
The authors emphasize the need for radical reductions in CO2 emissions to prevent catastrophic climate change, highlighting its impact on global health and human well-being. They advocate for a low-carbon diet, clean power, and sustainable agriculture to achieve a healthier and more equal society.
A new scrubbing process developed by PNNL uses acid gas-binding organic liquids to capture sulfur dioxide, CO2, and other acid gases. This process requires less energy than current methods and can capture double the amount of harmful gases.
Researchers at Caltech have identified epoxides as a key player in atmospheric chemistry, finding that these chemicals can form secondary organic aerosol. This process has significant implications for human health and climate change.
A recent study by Oregon State University statisticians reveals that having one less child can significantly reduce an individual's carbon legacy and greenhouse gas impact. The research found that the average long-term carbon impact of a child born in the U.S. is more than 160 times greater than that of a child born in Bangladesh.
A new scientific discussion paper highlights the profound impact of human activity on the world's oceans, with carbon emissions affecting marine biological processes and threatening food security. The study warns that rates of physical change in the oceans are unprecedented and may lead to major shifts in marine ecosystems.
A Cornell study found that regulating traffic density and encouraging public transportation can significantly impact local air quality. The Chinese government's measures during the 2008 Olympics resulted in notable reductions in car emissions of black carbon, carbon dioxide, and ultrafine particles.
A new set of policy briefs from Carnegie Mellon University recommends a uniform regulatory environment to support large-scale deployment of carbon sequestration technology in the US. The team proposes an adaptive two-stage approach to regulation and specific changes to federal law and agency rules to address regulatory and legal barriers.
A new method for capturing CO2 from flue gas has been developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The approach uses ionic liquids as a solvent to separate carbon dioxide from its source, overcoming the shortcomings of existing methods, such as non-selectivity and corrosiveness.
A new method developed by Princeton University scientists can divide carbon emissions responsibility among countries more fairly, targeting high polluters globally. The approach uses individual emissions to calculate a nation's responsibility to curb its output of carbon dioxide.