Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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.
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.
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.
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 published in Nature argues that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has underestimated the technological challenges of reducing CO2 emissions. The authors suggest that the IPCC's assumptions are overly optimistic, as spontaneous advances in technology will not carry most of the burden of achieving future em...
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.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new environmental impact model to help Canada reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. The model identifies farming and power generation as the largest sources of Canadian emissions per dollar output, emphasizing the need for alternative fuels and solutions to combat global warming.
Nitrous oxide emissions from waste treatment plants and agriculture are increasing at alarming rates, posing a significant global warming threat. The release of this potent gas can be controlled with suitable management strategies, but recognition of its importance is crucial.
A new analysis by UC economists reveals China's CO2 emissions growth rate is 11% annually, surpassing previous estimates. The study predicts a significant increase in carbon emissions, overshadowing pledged reductions by developed countries.
A new analysis by economists at the University of California, Berkeley and UC San Diego shows a significant increase in China's carbon dioxide emissions growth, far surpassing previous estimates. The study predicts an annual growth rate of at least 11 percent for China between 2004 and 2010.
Wiley-Blackwell has renewed its commitment to neutrality, offsetting CO2 emissions from global offices and shipments. The company partners with Carbonfund.org to invest in renewable energy and reforestation projects.
The Nitrous Oxide Focus Group brings together influential organizations to address the potent greenhouse gas's significant impact on agriculture and industry. Key research findings suggest that nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide, making its longevity in the atmosphere a potentially more damaging legacy.
Dr. David Keith proposes a potential solution for reducing CO2 emissions by storing it in giant inflatable bags on the seabed. The concept is technically feasible with current-day technology and may offer a viable complement to other storage methods.
Experts emphasize the need for global solutions to manage carbon emissions, considering the global energy system's shift and technological advancements. Accurate modeling of Earth's systems, capturing and storing CO2 are critical challenges.
Scientists studying the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) find analogies for global changes from continued carbon dioxide emissions. The ocean can absorb massive amounts of carbon, but acidification threatens corals and marine organisms building calcium carbonate shells.
A new study suggests that reducing carbon dioxide emissions to near-zero levels is necessary to stabilize the planet's climate. The research found that even with zero emissions, global temperatures would remain high for at least 500 years due to heat held in oceans, emphasizing the urgency of drastic action.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a strategy to capture, store and recycle carbon from vehicles, enabling the creation of zero emission cars. The technology involves an onboard fuel processor that separates hydrogen from carbon, allowing for the production of clean energy.
A new study by the University of Minnesota and The Nature Conservancy found that turning native ecosystems into biofuel farms releases 17 to 420 times more carbon than the annual savings from replacing fossil fuels. This 'carbon debt' must be paid before biofuels can mitigate global warming.
A new study by Stanford University researcher Mark Jacobson links increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to increased human mortality, with up to 20,000 air-pollution-related deaths worldwide per degree Celsius. The study highlights California's particularly dire situation due to its severe air pollution, which is expecte...
A major new study published in Science warns that global warming and acidification are triggering widespread coral disease and stifling coral growth. The researchers argue that drastic action is needed from world leaders to protect coral reefs, which support 100 million people and generate billions of dollars in tourism.
Scientists warn that coral reefs will struggle to survive in increasingly acidic ocean waters due to rising carbon emissions, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The Great Barrier Reef is among the first victims of this acidification, which could lead to its collapse by mid-century.
Coral reefs, crucial for millions of livelihoods worldwide, are at risk due to rapid climate change and ocean acidification. The International Coral Reef Targeted Research Program warns that most coral reefs will not survive the forecasted increases in global temperatures and CO2 emissions unless drastic action is taken.
The new online carbon calculator, developed by Conservation International, allows users to easily calculate their carbon footprint and learn ways to reduce emissions. The calculator also enables users to offset their emissions by supporting forest-carbon projects that conserve critical habitat for plant and animal species.
More than 200 leading climate scientists have warned the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Bali Climate Declaration calls on governments to limit global warming to below 2 degrees C by stabilising CO2 levels at well below 450ppm CO2e.
A new study by the University of Helsinki finds that EU forests are expanding and absorbing large amounts of carbon, with an average annual absorption of 126 teragrams between 1990 and 2005. The expansion of forests in certain countries, such as Finland and Lithuania, has even more than offset national emissions.
Researchers characterize conductive and field emission properties of single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, finding structure-dependent conductivity and emission. The findings bring next-gen flat panel TVs and monitors closer to reality.
A new study led by UK scientists aims to reduce China's CO2 emissions from coal use, which are set to double by 2030. The 'Near Zero Emissions Coal' project uses carbon capture and storage technology to achieve up to a 90% reduction in emissions.
A new study by MIT economists suggests that US greenhouse gas emissions could accelerate in the next 50 years, with technological change possibly contributing to increased emissions. The researchers found that energy use and CO2 emissions may grow at rates higher than historical averages, despite increasing energy prices.