Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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 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.
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...
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.
Researchers have developed an ion-exchange method that captures CO2 at room temperature, paired with an electrochemical cell to purify the gas. The technology has the potential to be powered by industrial waste heat or geothermal energy, reducing emissions and costs.
Researchers propose three methods to meet EU climate goals: a carbon removal bank, extended land use regulation, and clear identification of difficult-to-tackle emissions. These measures aim to incentivize companies and countries to invest in new technologies and reduce emissions.
Exposure to ocean acidification in red abalone can last across generations, affecting growth rates and reproductive potential. Scientists found that buffering the water chemistry at crucial life stages can help ease these effects for captive- and commercially raised red abalone.
International collaboration is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industry. A global policy can help harmonize climate regulations among neighboring countries, promoting a decarbonized built environment.
Researchers used AI to analyze tree databases and found that temperature and precipitation are strong predictors of non-native species invasion. The study also reveals that global forest carbon potential is considerably below natural levels, with most potential located in existing forests.
Scientists have made a significant stride toward understanding a viable process for direct air capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study focused on aqueous glycine, an amino acid known for its absorbent qualities, and discovered that focusing solely on free energy barrier is an oversimplification that can lead to inaccur...
Fossil CO2 emissions from global carbon budgets have reached a record high in 2023, with global warming exceeding 1.5°C target becoming increasingly likely within seven years. The study projects that total global CO2 emissions will be 40.9 billion tonnes, far from the reductions needed to meet climate targets.
A new study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School found that carbon dioxide becomes more potent as climate changes, increasing its heat-trapping effect. This means that future CO2 increases will provide a more potent warming effect on climate than past increases.
The global EV battery industry is projected to exceed 600 MtCO2eq in emissions by 2050, mainly due to energy-intensive mining and refining processes. Shifting to less CO2-intensive battery chemistries like LFP could reduce emissions by 20%.
Researchers develop a method to verify whether carbon in concrete comes from air or raw materials. By analyzing carbon isotopes, they can confirm direct air capture and certify offsetting CO2 emissions. This technology is crucial for the construction industry and supports a circular economy.
In Canadian First Nations houses in remote northern communities, researchers found strikingly high levels of CO2, mold damage, and endotoxins. These findings could explain the high rates of respiratory illness in these areas.
Researchers found that non-living processes involving reactive oxygen species play a significant role in paddy soils' CO2 emissions. The study highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between organic carbon and both living and non-living contributors to devise effective strategies against global warming.
Researchers found that a more complex climate model projects stronger and sustained carbon uptake by plants until the end of the 21st century. This could lead to a larger impact on mitigating climate change through nature-based solutions like reforestation.
A recent study estimates that healthy forests could absorb up to 328 billion tons of carbon, with a significant portion of this potential achievable through sustainable forest management. By protecting existing forests and reconnecting fragmented landscapes, we can sequester an additional 139 Gt of carbon.
A new study estimates that most corporations are not reporting the full scope of their carbon footprint, particularly in Scope 3 categories. This lack of transparency could be indicative of greenwashing, as companies focus on reporting Scope 1 and 2 emissions instead.
An international team at DTU has increased the durability of CO2 electrolyzers, enabling the conversion of captured CO2 into valuable green chemicals like ethylene and ethanol. The breakthrough could play a significant role in the green transition by reducing global CO2 emissions
Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley have developed a simple and green way to convert flared natural gas into economically valuable liquids, mostly alcohols like methanol and ethanol. The process utilizes a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) that mimics the oxygenation reaction in plants and animals.
Research suggests that diverse forests can capture approximately 226 Gigatonnes of carbon, but this potential can be achieved by incentivizing community-driven efforts to promote biodiversity. Restoration efforts should include natural diversity of species and sustainable practices.
Researchers have created high-resolution maps showing the potential for biochar to sequester large amounts of carbon, with Bhutan and India leading the way in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. The study suggests that biochar production can remove up to one billion metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere annually.
A new series by The BMJ offers actionable advice for doctors to make healthcare systems more sustainable. Practical actions include reducing nitrous oxide waste, using reusable vaginal speculums for cervical screening, and prescribing tablets over intravenous drugs.
A new analysis suggests that the US low-carbon transition is likely to create consistent job growth, particularly in the utilities and construction sectors. However, major fossil fuel-producing states may need to prepare for fewer mining jobs and plan carefully to ensure a 'just' transition for all workers.
A survey of social media posts suggests that people are more positive about nature-based efforts to protect carbon-storing ecosystems than human technological solutions. The study found that tree-planting solutions, such as afforestation, received the most approval, while geoengineering was associated with negative sentiments.
A new study suggests that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is not enough to combat climate change, with a potential for global warming to reach as high as 4.8°C. Aerosol reduction has offset some warming in the past century, but its decline may now reveal hidden greenhouse gas warming.
Researchers find that halting deforestation and restoring native vegetation are critical for Brazil to achieve its 2050 net zero goal. The study suggests that nature-based solutions can mitigate nearly 80% of Brazil's net zero pledge and reduce carbon emissions by 781 million tons per year.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process to convert carbon dioxide into a stable, solid formate fuel that can be used in fuel cells and generate electricity. The new process achieves over 90% conversion efficiency and eliminates the need for toxic and flammable fuels.
The Beckman Institute's DROPLETS project uses microdroplets to catalyze electrochemical reactions, producing clean hydrogen and sequestering carbon dioxide. The project aims to lay out a foundation for a sustainable clean energy future.
A new study finds that the global carbon budget for keeping warming below 1.5°C will be exhausted by 2029 if current emissions continue, committing the world to this level of warming. The remaining budget has approximately halved since 2020 due to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
A new method estimates the benefit of carbon stored because of forest conservation, enabling direct comparison of projects. The technique generates incentives for safeguarding forests long after credits have been issued.
A new study found that making simple substitutions like switching from beef to chicken or plant-based milk can reduce the average American's carbon footprint from food by 35%, while also boosting diet quality by between 4-10%. These small changes can have a significant impact on both climate and health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
A new UN-led study reveals that Bitcoin mining has a significant impact on land and water resources, with China and the US having the largest footprints. The study found that Bitcoin mining consumed 173 terawatt hours of electricity in 2020-2021, emitting 86 megatons of carbon.
A new study using satellite imagery found that fires in boreal forests shift from coniferous to deciduous trees, but these changes are reversible over time. The study's findings suggest that continued climate warming and increased wildfire activity could lead to pronounced changes in forest composition.
Researchers from NTU Singapore and ETH Zurich have developed a clean and sustainable material to build zero-waste fuel cells using chicken feathers. The membrane, made from protein amyloid fibrils, conducts protons and reduces carbon emissions from burning unwanted chicken feathers.
Researchers from Aarhus University found that current inventory methods rely solely on nitrogen content, neglecting degradability and leading to misleading inventories. The study suggests a distinction between mature and immature crop residues could improve accuracy and target mitigation strategies.
Researchers at Lund University have demonstrated a method for converting isopropanol into hydrogen using a solid catalyst, paving the way for a liquid fuel that can be delivered at a pump. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could be used in larger vehicles such as buses and aircraft.
Researchers at UTSA have been awarded a grant to develop a new technology that converts carbon dioxide into a raw material for producing chemical products. The project has the potential to create a productive area of catalysis research and reduce greenhouse emissions.
Research reveals correlation between financial sector risks and increased carbon footprint in bank loans, hindering humanity's progress towards a green economy. The study analyzed CFBL data for 37 countries from 2010 to 2018, finding that systemic risk within the banking sector raised the CFBL in developed countries.
A new study by the University of Oxford found that ancient carbon in rocks can release significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, rivaling volcanic emissions. This discovery challenges current understanding of the natural carbon cycle and has important implications for climate change modeling.
Ecologists say that carbon-capture tree plantations have a negative impact on tropical biodiversity and ecosystem services, despite their potential to offset climate change. In contrast, intact ecosystems like forests, grasslands, and savannahs store large quantities of carbon below ground and provide multiple ecosystem services.
Researchers developed a scalable framework to quantify field-level agricultural carbon outcomes, integrating sensing techniques and advanced ecosystem models. The study provides a reliable method for measuring individual farm field-level greenhouse gas emissions and offers insights into the impact of farming practices on climate change.
Researchers found that globally abandoned cropland could feed up to 476 million people per year if recultivated and help pull planet-warming carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through reforestation. The study highlights the potential of this often-neglected resource in supporting both food security and climate change mitigation.
A University of Texas at Dallas researcher aims to accelerate electric vehicle charging times by modifying lithium-ion battery structure to reduce charging time from hours to minutes. The goal is to increase adoption of electric vehicles and reduce carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases.
Researchers develop natural-based, low-carbon building materials by mimicking the composite adhesive secreted by sandcastle worms, which binds grains together. These materials exhibit good mechanical performance and can be constructed from various grains using oppositely charged bio-polymer adhesives.
Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered two novel yeast species with high oil-forming potential, which could be used to produce alternative biofuels and reduce CO2 emissions. The study also explores the relationship between climate and microbial ecology in Shiga Prefecture.
Researchers suggest transforming arid ecosystems into efficient carbon-capture systems by engineering ideal combinations of plants, soil microbes, and soil type. This approach could result in significant increases in plant and soil carbon sequestration within less than ten years.
A new study suggests that upgrading or retrofitting the world's iron and steel processing plants early could reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 gigatonnes by 2050. This is equivalent to two years' worth of net global carbon emissions, according to researchers from UCL.
A Canadian hospital's energy and water use, medical product purchases account for over half its yearly carbon footprint, totalling 3500-5000 tons of CO2 equivalent. One hospital bed is roughly equivalent to the carbon footprint of five Canadian households.