Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
A recent study by Stockholm University reveals that warming temperatures can speed up carbon dioxide emissions from ecosystems, but only if the environment is sufficiently moist. This finding highlights the critical role of water in the feedback loop between temperature and ecosystem metabolism.
A new study reveals that modern commercial aircraft create longer-lived planet-warming contrails than older aircraft, potentially offsetting their lower carbon emissions. The research highlights the challenges of reducing aviation's climate impact, with private jets also found to produce more contrails than previously thought.
Researchers estimate that installing solar panels on highways could generate 17,578 terawatt-hours of electricity per year, equivalent to more than 60% of the world's total energy consumption. This could reduce carbon emissions by up to 28% and improve road safety through shielding cars from inclement weather.
Researchers call for coordinated action to address air pollution's complexity, including elevating policy ambition, expanding regulatory scope, and integrating scientific policymaking. The paper highlights urgent need for clean air globally as health harms arise from lower concentrations.
A new study suggests that the rising earth in Antarctica will impact future sea level rise, depending on how much global warming is controlled. If humans lower greenhouse gas emissions, upward shifts in solid earth could reduce Antarctica's contribution to sea level rise by about 40%, bolstering best-case scenarios for global sea level...
A new plan proposes three critical imperatives to tackle methane emissions: reduce, coordinate, and incentivize. The plan aims to bring down methane emissions, coordinate efforts with carbon dioxide reduction, and incentivize abatement to stop global heating quickly enough.
Research from Edith Cowan University finds that carbon assurance will likely become mandatory due to growing stakeholder demand and IFRS climate change disclosures. Companies with existing systems in place for tracking carbon emissions are expected to reap benefits, including increased shareholder investment.
A new study from Heriot-Watt University finds that a decarbonized steel industry can use lower-grade iron ore, which is currently unfeasible due to high energy and material requirements. The research suggests that integrating advanced emission reduction technologies can make this viable path economically acceptable.
Researchers create fast and sustainable method to produce hydrogen gas using aluminum, saltwater, and coffee grounds. They find that adding caffeine speeds up the reaction, producing hydrogen in just five minutes.
A study by Duke University researchers suggests that a mixed approach to reforestation, combining both planted and naturally regenerated forests, can sequester more carbon than either method alone. This approach can remove up to 10 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at lower cost.
A team of researchers from HKUST has identified the importance of strategic emission cap choices for ammonia industry decarbonization. By setting region-specific targets and prioritizing plant flexibility, policymakers can balance environmental goals with costs and resource availability.
A new study suggests that using a combination of smaller impermeable barriers, known as a 'composite confining system,' can effectively trap CO2 for long-term storage. This approach is considered more efficient than traditional caprock-sealed reservoirs, which can be prone to leaks.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been awarded a $6.37 million grant by the EPA to create a free EPD generator tool and establish an industry standard for measuring greenhouse gas emissions. The project aims to increase transparency and trust in the steel industry, retraining engineers and steelmakers to use the new tool.
A new ambient-energy-driven membrane has been developed by Newcastle University researchers to capture carbon dioxide from the air, overcoming energy and kinetic challenges. The membrane uses naturally occurring humidity differences to pump carbon dioxide out of the air.
A new study reveals that global forests have consistently absorbed carbon dioxide for the past three decades, with tropical forests experiencing a decline in their ability to absorb carbon due to deforestation. However, temperate forests have shown an increase in their carbon sink capacity, largely due to extensive reforestation efforts.
A recent study reveals that Australia's forests have declined significantly over the past 30 years, contributing to a troubling trend of deforestation and forest degradation. The country's extensive deforestation for agriculture has been a major driver of carbon emissions.
Scientists have developed a nanocomposite material with sodium carbonate and nanocarbon to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The new material shows high CO2 capture capacity and can be regenerated for up to 10 cycles, reducing energy consumption.
Burning ammonia for maritime fuel could worsen air quality and lead to devastating public health impacts, even with cleaner engine technology and green production methods. The study suggests that stronger regulations could reduce premature deaths from 600,000 to 66,000 annually
A new study suggests that using special fertilizers and crushed basalt rocks can reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions without harming the ozone layer. The research found a 25% reduction in N2O emissions, aligning with efforts to reach net-zero emissions while supporting increased food production.
A comprehensive analysis of US coal power plants reveals feasibility for conversion to advanced nuclear reactors, providing valuable insights for policymakers and utilities. The study uses a GIS-based tool to evaluate socio-technical and economic factors, suggesting a broad spectrum of suitability levels across different locations.
A new study by Stanford University and Arizona State University recommends California implement early vehicle retirement for heavy-duty vehicles. The policy aims to reduce cumulative emissions by two-thirds and pollution-related mortality, particularly among disadvantaged communities. This approach would be more effective than relying ...
A study by ISGlobal analyzed 919 European cities, identifying four urban configurations: compact-high density, open lowrise-medium density, open lowrise-low density, and green-low density. Compact high-density cities have lower carbon footprints but higher mortality rates due to poorer air quality and less green space.
Long-distance travel has a substantial carbon footprint, with journeys over 50 miles accounting for 70% of emissions. Research suggests targeting long-distance travel may be more effective than current efforts to reduce emissions. Changing behavior and policy can maximize reductions in carbon emissions from passenger travel.
A Princeton-led study suggests that diversifying China's urban heating systems will reduce the risk of carbon lock-in. The researchers examined three hypothetical investment scenarios and found that under a low-coal scenario, electric technologies can meet up to 34% of total district heating demand in 2030.
A new study suggests that strategically placing solar-powered resilience hubs in California could generate up to 8 GW of solar energy and reduce the state's carbon emissions by 5 million tons per year. These hubs provide critical services such as phone charging, cooling, and powering medical devices for at-risk populations.
A Northwestern University-led team of engineers has discovered a new way to store carbon dioxide (CO2) in concrete without compromising its strength and durability. The process achieved a CO2 sequestration efficiency of up to 45% and resulted in concrete with uncompromised properties.
Researchers found a link between ancient ocean oxygen depletion and the massive extinction of marine species during the Jurassic Period. The study provides insights into how human-made carbon emissions may lead to similar extinctions in the future.
Researchers from the Mann Research Group found strong path dependence in Plio-Pleistocene glaciations, driven by a gradual decrease in regolith and volcanic outgassing. The study suggests that carbon dioxide levels determine the onset of the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, and that it's not too late to act to prevent ice sheet collapse.
A new device developed by University of Tokyo researchers can measure carbon dioxide captured in concrete quickly and accurately, skipping the need to crush concrete samples. This innovation aims to support global efforts to reach carbon neutrality and offset emissions from the concrete sector.
A new IIASA-led study introduces a dynamic systems approach to understanding social tipping points, which include looking at interconnected feedback mechanisms and interactions across different systems and scales. Small actions can lead to significant changes that ripple through social and economic systems.
A new study by RIKEN CSRS shows that biomass from purple photosynthetic marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum is an excellent nitrogen fertilizer, effective as inorganic synthetic fertilizers but with lower environmental side effects. The biomass boosts plant growth without altering soil pH or salinity.
A new study reveals that climate models overestimate the storage time of carbon in plants, meaning it is released back into the atmosphere sooner than predicted. This has implications for nature-based carbon removal projects and our understanding of the role of nature in mitigating climate change.
Researchers have designed a new way to recycle steel using an electrochemical pathway that removes contaminants like copper, reducing carbon emissions. The process generates liquid iron and sulfur as by-products and has potential for higher-grade product creation.
A UC Riverside study found that large fires in California create a self-sustaining cycle of heat and dryness, making it easier for new fires to start. The extra heat reduces humidity, allowing conditions to become favorable for more fire.
Scientists have developed a research framework to incorporate ecological theory into ecosystem management, enabling more effective restoration and counteracting rising carbon dioxide emissions. The approach maps ecological theories to desired restoration outcomes, prioritizing climate-smart restoration and rebuilding ecosystems faster.
Researchers found that adding nitrogen to concrete could significantly reduce global levels of potentially harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) created by the construction industry. This process could contribute to a reduction in NOx emissions by 3.4-6.9 megatonnes, representing 6-13% of industry-related emissions in 2021.
A study found that people in affluent areas in New Zealand were contributing more than their fair share of greenhouse gas emissions from transport. They drove further and owned more cars, leading to higher emissions per week.
Nitrous-oxide emissions have increased by 40% over the past four decades, resulting in accelerating atmospheric accumulation of this potent greenhouse gas. Agricultural production is the largest source of emissions, and improving practices can help reduce nitrous-oxide emissions and water pollution.
Concordia researchers develop micro photosynthetic power cells that harness algae's photosynthesis to generate electricity. The system can power low- and ultra-low power devices like IoT sensors, removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing only water as a byproduct.
A new Drexel University study found that domestic income inequality unevenly impacts different emission components in wealthy nations. The research suggests that reducing income concentration at the top end of the distribution could synergistically reduce emissions, but might increase direct end-user emissions. Policies aiming to impro...
Scientists from the University of East Anglia and other institutions review the climatic effectiveness of four 'nature-based' techniques using marine biological processes. They conclude that these activities cannot provide a significant contribution to carbon dioxide removal, posing risks to meaningful climate mitigation.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge developed a low-cost and energy-efficient method to make materials that can capture carbon dioxide directly from the air. The charged charcoal sponge uses reversible bonds with hydroxides to capture CO2, requiring lower temperatures and renewable electricity for regeneration.
Researchers from Doshisha University have developed a cost-effective method to produce valuable hydrocarbons from CO2. The study uses an ionic liquid containing metal hydroxides as the electrolyte, achieving high current efficiencies for ethylene and propane production.
Researchers have developed a two-step process to convert carbon dioxide into acetate and ethylene, which can be used in food production and plastics. The tandem CO2 electrolysis produces high concentration and purity, addressing engineering challenges and making the system resilient against industrial impurities.
The EU ETS's credibility plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Reforms strengthened the system's long-term credibility, allowing firms to align their market behavior with climate targets. This led to increased carbon prices, signaling high policy credibility and farsighted actors.
A new study found that human impacts on waterways are accelerating decomposition rates, releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and disrupting food chains. The study suggests that reducing human activity could improve water quality and help fight climate change.
Researchers at Linköping University assess Stockholm's climate strategy, finding a reliance on carbon capture technology without sufficient discussion of its risks. They recommend setting separate targets for emissions reduction and capturing CO2 to ensure clearer decision-making.
A new UC Riverside study found that boreal forests in the northern hemisphere are particularly vulnerable to negative effects of cleaning up aerosol pollution. Reducing levels of human-made aerosols causes an increase in wildfires, especially in northern hemisphere forests.
Researchers found that extending treatments to every six weeks instead of every three weeks would require 15,000 fewer infusions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 200 tons per year. This change could improve patient quality of life and result in cost savings for the healthcare system.
Scientists have found that microorganisms in the Arctic permafrost can break down polyphenols, previously thought to be untouchable, producing more greenhouse gas emissions. This new discovery has implications for understanding the role of soil microbes in climate change.
Researchers developed a novel reactor design that efficiently converts CO2 emissions from small boilers into methane fuel. The design features a distributed feed and optimal gas mixture composition, resulting in improved temperature control and increased methane production.
Researchers at Princeton University have modeled a supply chain for second-generation biofuels, which are derived from agricultural waste or non-food crops and can produce more sustainable substitutes for fossil fuels. The study found that careful management of the supply chain could result in systems with lower costs and emissions imp...
Researchers developed a method to recycle cement using electric arc furnaces, significantly reducing emissions from concrete and steel production. The process can replace up to half of cement in concrete with recycled cement, producing zero-emission cement if powered by renewable energy.
Replacing diesel school buses with electric ones can yield up to $247,600 in climate and health benefits per individual bus, according to a new study. The benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower rates of adult mortality and childhood asthma.
A worldwide analysis of voluntary carbon offset programs identified trends in renewable energy, forestry, and other technologies. Forestry and land management projects initially increased due to REDD+ programs, but shifted towards nature-positive solutions after 2016.
A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.
A study evaluates 14 carbon dioxide removal (CDR) measures in Germany, finding ecosystem-based methods like reforestation and seagrass restoration to be low-hurdle options. However, measures like bioenergy with carbon capture storage face significant economic and institutional hurdles.
Researchers at Kyushu University analyzed the carbon footprint of building a wooden house in Japan, estimating 38 tons of CO2 emissions. The team identified electric power sector and steel manufacturing process as major contributors to total emissions.
A new multi-tiered framework models CCS liability after nuclear power plant liability, balancing individual developer risk with industry-shared responsibility. This approach encourages knowledge sharing and communitarian self-regulation, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting timely deployment of critical carbon storage technology.
Researchers found that conferences generate significant carbon dioxide emissions, with delegates burning half their annual CO2 budget in a week. Practical solutions like multihubbing and reducing travel distances are proposed to mitigate these emissions.