Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
The IPCC Fifth Assessment will incorporate new studies predicting more severe changes than previous assessments. Tropical forests could become carbon sources due to wildfires and warming temperatures.
Research shows that putting a price on carbon dioxide emitted by different land use practices can significantly change how land is used. The study found that addressing the land-based carbon is essential for stabilizing greenhouse gases at low levels.
A Georgia Tech study shows that hybrid vehicles and higher density cities could significantly reduce CO2 emissions from cars and trucks by 2050. The research found that doubling population density in large US cities would have a greater impact on CO2 reductions than full hybridization of the vehicle fleet.
A new study finds that oil and gas production in the Barnett Shale area can contribute significantly to smog formation in Dallas-Fort Worth, with emissions comparable to those from all cars and trucks. The study also highlights the potential for cost-effective control strategies to reduce emissions.
Research by the University of Exeter found that delivering organic vegetable boxes can result in lower carbon emissions than visiting a local farm shop, especially for customers making long-distance trips. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to understand the environmental impact of food production and distribution
Scientists embark on three-year project to measure carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases worldwide, shedding light on their distribution and impact on climate change. The research will enable better predictions of greenhouse gas emissions and inform society's decisions about climate change mitigation.
By selecting crop varieties with higher solar reflectivity, researchers estimate a global cooling of over 0.1°C, equivalent to 20% of the total global temperature increase since the Industrial Revolution. The study proposes issuing farmers with carbon credits for growing such crops.
Researchers propose using crop varieties with high solar reflectivity to reduce regional warming, equivalent to offsetting 20% of CO2 emissions. This approach is seen as a low-cost alternative to geoengineering and can help mitigate agricultural and health impacts of heat waves.
A recent study published in Science reveals that three to 15 per cent of the oceans' calcium carbonate comes from fish intestines. This discovery could help solve a mystery of rapid ocean acidification due to global CO2 emissions.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that greenhouse gas emissions from biofuel production can be mitigated with sustainable land use practices. Effective crop management techniques, such as no-till farming and planting cover crops, can reduce the time it takes for biofuels to overcome their carbon debt.
Research suggests that increased carbon dioxide levels due to climate change could lead to a greater accumulation of mercury in soils, potentially slowing its release into water. However, this means that even with reduced emissions, the metal will remain a pollution source for an extended period.
Researchers propose a hybrid cap-and-trade system with controlled permits to reduce emissions uncertainty. A second paper suggests a modified carbon tax to protect poorer households. The third paper highlights the flexibility of tradable permits in allocating emissions value.
Researchers argue that geoengineering solutions to climate change are unrealistic due to the complexity of the Earth's climate system. The concept of injecting particles into the stratosphere to reduce global warming is highly uncertain and requires massive infrastructure investments.
A new study explores ways to target the compensation provided by free emission allowances under a CO2 cap and trade policy. Granting limited allowances can help compensate firms that benefit from the program, but may be costly to administer. The researchers suggest using targeted compensation methods to reduce costs.
A study by University of Rhode Island scientists finds that elevated CO2 levels will reduce jumbo squid's oxygen consumption rate and activity levels, affecting their feeding behavior. The researchers predict that the squids may migrate to northern climes to escape CO2 and oxygen stress.
Stanford researchers predict more frequent heat waves, higher temperatures, and increased crop losses in California. Average temperatures are expected to rise 4-9 degrees Fahrenheit over the next 50-100 years, with potential impacts on crops like cherries, peaches, and grapes.
A new study by NCAR and University of Colorado warns that developing countries will struggle to afford and implement efficient technologies, exacerbating global warming. The research suggests that even advanced nations are worsening the outlook for global warming due to increasing emissions.
A recent study analyzing satellite data reveals a significant link between drought and deforestation in equatorial Asia, leading to increased global warming. The practice of using fire to clear forests releases substantial amounts of climate-warming carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Scientists investigate oil spray as a mitigation technique for reducing methane and carbon dioxide emissions from pig barns. The study found that oil spray techniques reduced average emissions by 20% for methane and 19% for carbon dioxide.
A comprehensive analysis by CIFOR offers options to address forest destruction and degradation's role in global greenhouse gas emissions. The report suggests integrating REDD with tighter emissions targets for a more ambitious climate strategy.
The Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Ecology has received a $1.6-million grant to improve and expand CLASLite, a user-friendly method for mapping tropical forests from desktops. The technology will help rainforest nations monitor their changing carbon budgets and advance deforestation and degradation mapping in Latin America.
Researchers found that using cover crops, manure, and compost can increase short-term carbon sequestration rates and reduce global warming potential. This win-win option for energy and environment is made possible by proper management of bioenergy cropping systems.
The World Agroforestry Centre argues that existing technology can effectively monitor carbon storage in developing countries, potentially saving more carbon than closing 1,400 coal-burning power plants. Implementing carbon markets could generate $10 billion annually for rural poor communities.
A new Cornell study found that including realistic estimates of black carbon in soil climate models reduces predicted carbon dioxide emissions by 20% over 100 years. Soils are the world's largest source of carbon dioxide, producing 10 times more CO2 than human activities combined.
A team of scientists says the globe-warming carbon dioxide level has probably reached a point where world climate will change disastrously unless the level can be reduced. The CO2 needs to be reduced to around 350 parts per million to keep current warming trends from moving rapidly upward.
Researchers at MIT suggest that capturing a fraction of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning plants could be a near-term solution to reduce emissions and generate much-needed electricity. This approach, known as 'partial capture,' could allow the US to meet its climate goals while also demonstrating carbon capture technology.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how plants absorb and release carbon dioxide, a vital step in understanding the impact of climate change. By measuring carbonyl sulfide, a compound consumed by plants during photosynthesis, scientists can now quantify gas flow into plants.
A revised theory suggests that carbon dioxide levels have already entered a danger zone, necessitating a reduction below current levels of 385 parts per million (ppm). The study concludes that coal is the largest source of atmospheric CO2 and that phasing out its use could lead to a significant decline in CO2 emissions.
A new study reveals that acidification of oceans from human CO2 emissions can worsen coral bleaching and death. Key findings indicate that coralline algae may be lost in near future due to increased CO2 levels. On the positive side, some coral species show ability to cope with ocean acidification by enhancing photosynthesis.
Researchers found that no-till practices can lead to increased nitrous oxide emissions, offsetting the soil's carbon dioxide sink. In a study of two soil types, nitrous oxide emissions doubled under no-till conditions in the heavy clay soil.
A three-year research project aims to reduce CO2 emissions from UK homes by upgrading existing properties with low-carbon technologies. The E.ON 2016 House, a fully-equipped test facility, will track energy consumption and emissions data to identify effective improvements.
The RAND Corporation study concludes that oil sands and coal-to-liquids have the potential to ease upward pressures on oil prices and expand global fuel supplies. However, these alternatives also pose significant environmental risks, including water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
A four-fold increase in global carbon dioxide emissions has been reported since 2000, with growth rates outpacing natural carbon sinks. Australian fossil-fuel emissions have grown by two per cent per year, making the country's reduction target increasingly challenging.
The new global carbon budget shows unprecedented acceleration of CO2 emissions and atmospheric accumulation, with natural sinks growing slower than emissions. Decreasing forest cover mainly due to deforestation is responsible for a significant portion of emissions, while oceans' carbon uptake has decreased by 10 million tons.
A study suggests that flooding wetlands can lower methane gas emissions by half compared to steady flow conditions. Researchers found that pulses of water through wetlands resulted in lower average emissions over the course of the year.
Researchers found that reducing coal emissions can keep atmospheric carbon dioxide levels below harmful levels if phased out within the next few decades. The study suggests that oil and gas should be used sparingly as well, but coal must be the main target of reductions.
Researchers used five emission scenarios to predict future carbon dioxide levels. If coal emissions are phased out by 2050, all scenarios result in levels below the 450 parts per million threshold, potentially avoiding 'dangerous' climate change. The study suggests reducing coal emissions is essential.
Researchers estimate that forests in the upper Midwest can store an average of 1,300 pounds of carbon per acre per year, with some regions storing over 350,000 tons annually. Effective forest management can sustain or increase this capacity for future generations.
The thawing of permafrost is expected to release a significant amount of carbon dioxide, potentially doubling current atmospheric levels. This could lead to a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions and further accelerate global warming.
Researchers urge companies to use comprehensive screening tools to analyze carbon footprints across all tiers of their supply chain. This will enable them to make informed decisions on reducing their environmental impact.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University used meteorological balloons to measure temperature, composition and water content of volcanic gases. They detected sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide and water vapor emissions with implications for remote sensing studies and neighboring residents.
Converting livestock manure into biogas can produce enough electricity to meet up to 3% of North America's energy needs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The process has the potential to generate 100 billion kilowatt hours of electricity, equivalent to powering millions of homes.
Wealthy nations willing to spend $1 billion annually could prevent half a billion metric tons of carbon dioxide from being emitted globally over the next 25 years. The program, called 'avoided deforestation,' would put an end to a tenth of tropical deforestation, one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Reduced carbon emissions from tropical deforestation and degradation can be achieved through improved forest management techniques. Studies show that better logging practices can minimize ecological impact by up to 50% and reduce carbon losses by approximately 30%.
The CSIRO report 'Fuel for thought' explores the challenges and opportunities in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. It suggests that Australia's fuel mix will include expanded use of diesel, gaseous fuels and hybrid electric vehicles to address economic risks associated with rising oil prices and climate change.
Commercial shipping releases 130,000 metric tons of soot annually, with tugboats emitting nearly a gram per kilogram of fuel burned. The high levels are linked to low-quality fuel and poor engine maintenance, contributing to air quality issues near populous urban areas.
The oceans have absorbed 40% of human-caused carbon dioxide, causing a 0.1-unit drop in surface pH; acidification may harm corals and plankton by mid-century if emissions aren't reduced. Carbon dioxide levels could reach 0.35 units by the mid-21st century if cuts aren't made immediately.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that submerged oak trees can store carbon for up to 14,000 years, significantly longer than trees in forests. This process reveals the importance of proper tree disposal and benefits of riparian forests in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The European Union's Emissions Trading System has operated well despite its hasty adoption, showing that economic effects are not large. The system allows for banking and borrowing of allowances, making it work more efficiently.
A new study suggests that geoengineering schemes could lead to a decline in the intensity of the global water cycle. The research found that reducing sunlight through
A study published in Science reveals that anthropogenic nitrogen has a significant impact on ocean biology, photosynthesis, and the global carbon cycle. The research highlights how increased nitrogen deposition from human activities affects the oceans' ability to absorb CO2.
A recent MIT study estimated that Americans contribute more than twice as much greenhouse gas to the atmosphere as those living in other countries, regardless of income level. The study found that a homeless person and a Buddhist monk had the lowest carbon footprints at around 8.5 tons and 10.5 tons per year, respectively
Scientists have discovered a natural feedback system that kept carbon dioxide levels in check before fossil fuels. The system, linked to mineral breakdowns, regulates the carbon cycle and prevents runaway greenhouse conditions. Human emissions have recently overwhelmed this delicate balance.
A new study published in Carbon Balance and Management found that the link between carbon cycle and human-induced emissions may only be relevant for several centuries. The research suggests that even weak but continuing emissions can lead to eventual saturation of climate-carbon cycle feedback, regardless of when emissions peak.
To accurately track regional emissions, a global data collection network 10 times larger is needed. Scientists propose increasing the number of carbon measurement sites from 100 to 1,000 to decrease uncertainty in computer models and help quantify changes.
Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a highly energy-efficient technology to convert waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into cyclic carbonates, which can be used in various industrial applications. The technology has the potential to use up to 48 million tonnes of waste CO2 per year, reducing UK emissions by about four percent.
Purdue University researchers have proposed a way to incorporate deforestation into the international climate change treaty, titled Preservation Pathway. This approach would provide carbon credits for developing countries that set aside existing forests and slow deforestation rates.
Researchers found that large-scale plantations in tropical regions could sequester significant amounts of carbon, potentially offsetting up to 5-7% of global CO2 emissions. However, the effectiveness of these plantations is limited by social, economic, and institutional barriers, as well as uncertainties in land use.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed high-resolution CO2 maps that provide detailed and accurate information on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. The Vulcan system reveals unexpected large sources of emissions in the southeastern US, which were previously underestimated.
A new study warns that global CO2 emission reductions may be more challenging than thought due to underestimated technological challenges. The study suggests the IPCC is overly optimistic in assuming spontaneous technological innovations will drive emissions reductions.