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Cost to protect globally important forests falls disproportionately on those living closest

A decade-long study in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains reveals that biodiversity conservation benefits vary widely among groups, with local rural communities bearing substantial costs. International funding could help smallholder farmers boost yields on their existing land to incentivize long-term forest protection.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEnvironmental and Resource Economics·DateAug 17, 2023

Decarbonizing industry

The Energy Bootcamp, developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aims to provide hands-on training for industrial plant managers to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The program offers free software tools, diagnostic equipment, and expert guidance to help manufacturers decarbonize their facilities and improve cost savings.

Overlooked CO2 emissions induced by air pollution control devices in China's coal-fired power plants

Researchers found that the proportion of APCD CO2 emissions in CFPPs surged from 0.12% to 1.19% between 2000 and 2020, with desulfurization devices contributing 80% of APCD CO2 emissions. The study proposed measures to enhance APCD energy efficiency and provide low-carbon electricity to tackle this emerging environmental issue.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2023

Chapman University climate scientist finds new way to measure the Earth’s ability to offset carbon emissions

A new study by Chapman University scientist Joshua Fisher and colleagues provides insight into the Earth's response to rising temperatures due to climate change. By analyzing landscape-level measurements of temperature and carbon dioxide release, the team found that plants' ability to remove carbon pollution from the atmosphere may not...

SourceChapman University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 24, 2023

Greenhouse gas supplement increases warming and alters circulation patterns on Earth and Earth-like exoplanets

The study found that adding CO2 to temperate terrestrial exoplanet atmospheres intensifies warming in non-irradiated regions, altering global circulation patterns. This effect is seen on both Earth and the exoplanet TRAPPIST-1e, with implications for habitability and climate research.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2023

Developer dollars not enough to save species

Research found that financial payments by developers to compensate for environmental consequences are insufficient to achieve intended outcomes. Only 0.7 of 13.4 hectares of impacts on koala habitat have been offset through financial payments since 2018, raising concerns about the future of this endangered species.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 9, 2023

Oregon State scientists find a better way to capture carbon from industrial emissions

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new, cost-effective way to capture carbon dioxide from industrial emissions. The method uses a nanomaterial called a metal-organic framework (MOF) that can selectively adsorb CO2 in humid conditions, making it suitable for post-combustion applications.

SourceOregon State University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

Potent greenhouse gas produced by industry could be readily abated with existing technologies

Researchers have found that industrial sources of nitrous oxide emissions can be readily abated with existing technology. The study suggests that low-cost technologies already exist to reduce nitrous oxide emissions to nearly zero, providing a double benefit for the environment and humanity by also protecting the ozone layer.

‘Critical climate solution’ or ‘worse than coal’? Study explores debate around divisive energy technology

A new study analyzed coverage of BECCS in 166 newspaper articles to understand public opinion on the energy technology. The research identified eight key storylines, including Pro-BECCS narratives that emphasized its necessity and Revolutionary technology, alongside Anti-BECCS lines that highlighted environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateJun 27, 2023

Know a shortcut to Paris?

A recent study by Kyoto University has raised concerns about the authenticity of Big Oil's net-zero emissions claims. The research team found that oil majors are not making sufficient progress in phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to clean energy, despite their pledges to achieve net-zero by 2050.

SourceKyoto University·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2023

Will engineered carbon removal solve the climate crisis?

A new IIASA-led study investigated the potential of engineered Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, such as Direct Air Capture of CO2 (DACCS), to help bridge the gap between current emissions reductions and ambitious climate goals. The study found that novel CDR can keep pre-Paris climate targets within reach when accounting for ...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 22, 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions at ‘an all-time high’ - and it is causing an unprecedented rate of global warming, say scientists

Human-induced warming has increased at an 'unprecedented rate' since the last major assessment, with greenhouse gas emissions reaching a record level. The remaining carbon budget has halved over three years, highlighting the urgent need for policymakers and climate experts to access up-to-date scientific evidence.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Greenhouse gas emissions at ‘an all-time high’ causing unprecedented rate of global warming - global scientists

Key indicators show human-induced warming reached 1.14°C above pre-industrial levels, with emissions at an all-time high. The analysis calls for policymakers and climate negotiators to access up-to-date scientific evidence to base decisions, as the remaining carbon budget is declining.

SourceMaynooth University·JournalEarth System Science Data·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 8, 2023

Experts uncover the water and emissions footprint of snowmaking: Can we rely on it in an era of climate change?

A national study in Canada found that snowmaking requires 17,000 homes' worth of annual energy and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce 42 million cubic meters of machine-made snow. Collaboration between ski operators, policymakers, and environmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable practices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalCurrent Issues in Tourism·DateJun 7, 2023

Measuring greenhouse gas from ponds improves climate predictions

A Cornell University-led study found that small and shallow ponds emit significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, with variability increasing as pond size decreases. The research provides valuable insights into calibrating climate models and informs strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from inland waterbodies.

SourceCornell University·JournalLimnology and Oceanography·DateJun 6, 2023

Climate justice: Global North owes $170 trillion for excessive CO2 emissions, says study

A new study suggests that industrialized countries in the Global North could be liable to pay a total of $170 trillion in compensation or reparations by 2050. This amount would be distributed as compensation to low-emitting countries that must decarbonize their economies faster than required, aiming to meet climate change targets.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2023

Plants allocate enough carbon to underground mycorrhizal fungi equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels

Researchers found that plants allocate a significant amount of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi, equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding fungal networks in soil ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023

Hidden in plain sight: Windshield washer fluid is an unexpected emission source

Research suggests that windshield washer fluid is a significant source of vehicle-derived pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to ozone formation. The study found that the levels of these non-fuel-derived gases will likely remain unchanged even as drivers transition to electric vehicles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2023

Energy industry apps to improve accuracy and efficiency

University of Houston researchers have created digital applications to enhance energy efficiency, including calculators for hydrocarbon MMP, carbon dioxide MMP, and viscosity. These tools offer significantly higher accuracy than current methods, helping engineers save time and resources.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGeoenergy Science and Engineering·TypeNews article·DateMay 25, 2023

Establishing a wildflower meadow at King’s College, Cambridge bolstered biodiversity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, study finds.

A new study found that establishing a wildflower meadow in the historic grounds of King's College, Cambridge increased species richness and abundance by three times compared to adjacent lawn. The meadow also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1.36 tonnes CO2-e per hectare per year.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEcological Solutions and Evidence·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2023

Allowing financial trading in California’s wholesale electricity market significantly reduced volatility of prices, electricity production costs, carbon emissions

Researchers found that introducing financial trading in California's wholesale electricity market led to reduced volatility in prices, production costs, and carbon emissions. The study also showed improved physical market outcomes, including lower fuel costs and reduced complexity in real-time markets.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAmerican Economic Journal Economic Policy·DateMay 22, 2023