Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
University of Illinois Chicago engineers have developed a new ammonia production process that meets several green targets. The process combines nitrogen gas and ethanol with a charged lithium electrode, producing ammonia at low temperatures and regenerating materials with each cycle. If scaled up, the process could produce ammonia at 6...
A study by Duke University researchers found that manganese stimulates decomposition of soil organic matter and releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
A new study finds landfill point source emissions have an outsized impact and opportunity to tackle US waste methane. Landfills are responsible for 14.3% of US methane emissions, emitting the equivalent of nearly 23 million gasoline-powered vehicles per year.
The experts recommend setting standards for carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, PM2.5, and ventilation rate to ensure adequate indoor air quality in public spaces. A CO2 concentration level of 800ppm is proposed with a focus on removing and diluting human-emitted pollutants.
A more sustainable, flexitarian diet can extend the global CO2 budget by 125 gigatons and stay within the 1.5°C limit with a 50 percent chance. Healthy diets also reduce GHG emissions from land use and cut economy-wide prices by 43 percent in 2050.
A new study predicts that Australia's soil will become a net emitter of carbon dioxide, releasing more CO2 into the air than it absorbs. This could account for 8.3% of current emissions and worsen climate change unless farming methods are improved.
A modelling study suggests mass timber can significantly reduce carbon emissions in high-rise US buildings by replacing traditional materials like concrete and steel. The study's findings have significant implications for the construction industry and could pave the way for more sustainable building practices.
A research team at Lehigh University has received a three-year, $2 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop an alternative concrete binder using low-temperature calcined clays. The goal is to produce a material with properties similar to Ordinary Portland Cement but without greenhouse gas emissions.
Scientists have developed a carbon-negative composite decking material that stores more CO2 than is required to manufacture it. The new material, which is less expensive and meets building codes, could offset up to 250,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually if replaced in the US market.
A groundbreaking scientific drilling project has unearthed the world's longest geological record of the Cretaceous period, spanning over 50 million years. The project, led by Professor Wang Chengshan, has provided crucial insights into paleoclimate research and will continue to aid in predicting future climate trends.
Researchers at SMART and NTU Singapore have developed a method to accurately measure the amount of carbon stored in bogs, which aids peatland restoration efforts. The new method uses satellite data and reduces the need for on-site sampling, making it possible to describe and compare the shape of bogs worldwide.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to a significant reduction in natural snow cover days globally, with popular ski hubs moving to remote areas. The European Alps, Australian Alps, and Japanese Alps are expected to experience the most decline, threatening local livelihoods and ecosystems.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have created a unique way to measure CO2 emissions in streams and rivers, providing valuable information for land use planning and climate action. The adapted sensors can capture frequent measurements, helping understand extreme precipitation events and their impact on water bodies.
A new study finds that climate change will further exacerbate projected economic losses from global warming when its impact on global supply chains is factored in. By 2060, total GDP losses could amount to between $3.75 trillion and $24.7 trillion, with supply chain disruptions accounting for a significant proportion of these losses.
Research using historical satellite images shows that methane emissions in Turkmenistan increased following the Soviet Union's collapse, contradicting previous theories. This finding suggests that economic decline led to reduced oversight and more deliberate off-gassing of methane from oil and gas wells.
A new study finds that canals draining Southeast Asia's threatened peatlands release up to 35% of the organic carbon dissolved into these canals as carbon dioxide. This suggests that canal systems are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, potentially surpassing previously estimated amounts from dried-out peat soils.
A team of researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research has made a breakthrough in understanding the relationship between catalyst structures and their reactions. By studying the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) in Tin-Oxide-based catalysts, they uncovered the active surface species responsi...
Scientists develop a new method to calculate the total carbon emissions consistent with the Paris climate targets of 1.5°C and 2°C of global warming. The study estimates emissions budgets that are at least 10% larger than previous models, indicating a need for urgent action to reduce emissions.
The Zero-Energy Switchable Radiative Cooler (ZESRC) is a temperature-responsive solution that balances building temperatures sustainably. Field experiments demonstrate its effectiveness across seasons, reducing energy consumption by 14.3% compared to other devices.
A new method developed by ETH researchers suggests that the cost of direct air capture (DAC) technologies will not be as cheap as previously anticipated. The estimated costs range from $230 to $540 per tonne, with some technologies expected to cost between $280 and $580 by 2050.
A new study finds that emergency atmospheric geoengineering would not be able to reverse changes to ocean currents, even with stratospheric aerosol injection. Gradual injections can maintain current temperatures and circulation patterns, but abrupt injections fail to restore critical ocean circulation patterns.
A team of researchers proposes a new method to track the elusive origins of CO2 emissions from streams, accounting for 60% of emissions under alkaline conditions. Using carbonate buffering, scientists can better understand the balance of CO2, water, and carbonate in stream systems.
Mangrove forests in regions like southern India and eastern Australia are affected by human development, leading to a decline in global mangrove carbon stocks. The study predicts an annual rate of carbon emissions from mangrove loss will rise to 3,392 Teragrams by the end of the century.
Researchers at WVU have developed a microwave technology that can significantly reduce industry's energy consumption and carbon emissions. The technology, which uses microwaves to carry out chemical reactions, has the potential to produce ethylene and ammonia in a single reactor, leading to increased efficiency and lower emissions.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new photosensitizer that doubles the yield of fumaric acid from CO2, creating biodegradable plastics with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The innovation reuses waste resources to produce fumaric acid, a key component of sustainable packaging materials.
A new study from the University of Delaware and Yale University aims to improve cost estimates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by understanding the underlying frictions that prevent people from adopting newer, greener technologies. The researchers focus on the social sciences to better understand these negative costs.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati have created a more efficient way to convert carbon dioxide into ethylene, producing a pivotal platform chemical globally. The process, using a modified copper catalyst, holds promise for one day producing ethylene through green energy instead of fossil fuels.
A new study reveals that introducing a simple, renewable chemical to the pretreatment step can make next-generation biofuel production cost-effective and carbon neutral. A CELF biorefinery can more fully utilize plant matter than earlier methods, resulting in sustainable aviation fuel at a break-even price of $3.15 per gallon.
Scientists have developed a method to convert waste carbon dioxide into formic acid, a colorless and pungent liquid with potential as a transportation fuel and petrochemical industry enhancer. The new method efficiently converted CO2 for over 5,000 hours, suggesting cost-effective scalability.
A new study reveals conflicting national and sectorial targets, as well as differing availability of abatement options, hinder companies' ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers propose introducing a carbon measurement and management process alongside a dynamic framework to align climate targets and actions.
Researchers suggest replacing 50% of animal products with alternative proteins by 2050 to unlock vast energy and negative emission potentials via BECCS. This transition could free up large agricultural areas, generating enough renewable energy equivalent to today's coal-generated power while removing substantial CO2 from the atmosphere.
A team of researchers at McMaster University uncovered the elusive bottleneck hindering the conversion of carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals. The study provides new insights into the degradation process of catalysts, enabling the development of strategies to improve their operational lifetimes.
Researchers examined lake partial carbon dioxide pressure variability to improve global estimation accuracy. They found significant seasonal fluctuations and trophic state effects on CO2 emissions, leading to variable emissions across lakes with different characteristics.
A study published in Marine Policy found that spatial restrictions after Brexit led to a doubling of greenhouse gas emissions from Norway's mackerel fishing fleet. The change resulted in a significant increase in fuel usage and carbon footprint, equivalent to half a million CO2 emissions per year.
The ShAPE technology developed at PNNL can transform 100% post-consumer scrap aluminum into usable extrusions meeting ASTM standards for strength and flexibility. This process conserves nearly all the energy required to manufacture new aluminum products, reducing dependency on imported primary aluminum and greenhouse gas emissions.
New research reveals that governments and businesses rely on unsustainable amounts of future CO2 removal, posing risks to food security, human rights, and natural ecosystems. The study calls for policymakers to set separate targets for emission reductions and removals, prioritizing restoring natural ecosystems.
New research reveals permafrost's dominant role in shaping Arctic rivers and storing massive amounts of carbon. Thawing permafrost could unleash billions of tons of CO2, exacerbating climate change.
A new study from the University of Copenhagen reveals that Greenland consumes more methane than it releases, with dry landscapes absorbing over 65,000 tons annually. The study's findings contribute significantly to climate models and provide insights into the optimal soil conditions for methane uptake in the Arctic.
The study proposes technical, legal, and economic interventions to transition the global plastics system to net zero emissions by 2050. The authors emphasize the need for concerted action across four target areas: smart materials design, waste management, recycling, and reducing future demand.
Researchers found that injecting aerosols into the stratosphere can reduce ice sheet loss by up to 37.6 mm sea-level rise, slowing global warming's effects. However, geoengineering addresses only symptoms, not root causes, and may delay necessary changes.
Researchers from PolyU develop a durable, highly selective and energy-efficient CO2 electroreduction system that converts CO2 into ethylene for industrial purposes. The APMA system achieves high specificity of 50% and operates for over 1,000 hours at an industrial-level current of 10A.
A new commentary highlights that shifting focus from energy supply to consumption can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve wellbeing. Reducing energy demand could save households and businesses money, create employment, and reduce emissions, while also limiting global warming in line with Paris Agreement targets.
A new study finds that global carbon markets overcredit cookstove GHG reductions by a factor of 10, affecting climate targets and trust in the market. The study recommends prioritizing projects with stoves meeting World Health Organization's health standards.
Researchers found that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower climate impact – up to 60 percent less – and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fuelled aircraft. The study also highlights the need for longer battery lifetimes and improved energy storage capacity to minimize mineral resource scarcity.
A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.
Two UH projects explore repurposing existing energy assets for clean energy, while a third project establishes a visiting scholar program to develop carbon-negative hydrogen production. The funding aims to create a skilled workforce for a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
A landmark study by National Geographic Pristine Seas finds that bottom trawling releases up to 370 million metric tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere annually. The research also reveals high carbon emissions in areas such as East China Sea, Baltic, and North Seas.
Most Earth System Models lack accurate representation of permafrost dynamics, a crucial factor in future climate projections. Funding constraints and limited resources are preventing model development from capturing the full scope of complex permafrost processes.
A groundbreaking strategy for urban carbon neutrality is introduced in Wuyishan, a service-oriented city in China. The approach innovatively combines life cycle assessments with sector-specific analyses to account for both internal and external greenhouse gas emissions.
A new analysis reveals a pronounced regional imbalance in forest productivity, with the Western U.S. experiencing a notable slowdown and the Eastern U.S. seeing slightly accelerated growth. This study highlights the urgent need for reduced global greenhouse gas emissions to restore the global carbon balance.
Researchers have developed a new catalyst that exceeds 30% yield for the production of ethylene through oxidative coupling of methane, a more sustainable and economically viable method. The core-shell Li2CO3-coated mixed rare earth oxides catalyst enables sequential oxygen switching, replenishing its ability to provide oxygen for the r...
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to capture CO2 using photoacids that react to light. The process can switch between acidic and alkaline states rapidly, allowing for quick carbon capture and release. This method requires less energy than existing technologies.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Columbia University developed a tandem electrocatalytic-thermocatalytic conversion method to convert CO2 into carbon nanofibers. This approach can occur at relatively low temperatures, around 400°C, making it a more practical and industrially achievable process.
Researchers at Empa's Concrete & Asphalt lab have developed a process for integrating biochar into concrete, achieving net zero emissions. The process involves processing biochar into pellets and incorporating them into concrete, resulting in a 20% by volume carbon content that offsets all emissions produced during production.
Tackling inequality is vital to mitigate climate change effectively, as wealthy individuals often have greater ability to reduce their carbon footprint. Deep-rooted inequalities restrict people's capacity to switch to lower-carbon behaviours, making it essential for policymakers to provide equal opportunities across all income brackets.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science analyzes the life cycle of milk production in 47 small farms in Karnataka, India, identifying key emissions hotspots and potential sustainability improvements. The research highlights the importance of high-yielding animals and efficient feeding strategies to reduce carbon footprints.
A new process developed by KIT researchers reduces steel production's greenhouse gas emissions by several hundred million tons per year. The technology, known as dry reforming, replaces coke with hydrogen-rich synthesis gas to support iron oxide reduction in blast furnaces.
A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...
The EU-funded ForestPaths project gathered stakeholders to discuss forest-based policymaking and climate change mitigation. Key findings include a desire for sustainable forestry products, long-term forest considerations, and practical guidance for forest managers.
A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters sheds light on methane emissions from Arctic lakes and wetlands. Researchers found that small, unmapped lakes contribute only about 3% of the region's methane emissions, significantly reducing the cumulative amount previously thought to be emitted.