Articles tagged with Carbon Emissions
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.
A team of researchers from SUTD and A*STAR has developed a quick and energy-efficient technique to produce 2D mica nanosheets, which have shown an 87% higher CO2 adsorption capacity than bulk mica. The nanosheets' high specific surface area and porosity enable effective carbon capture.
Researchers have identified an operational strategy that can reduce shipping emissions by up to a quarter by combining modern sail technology with efficient routing systems. The study found that this approach can provide greater assurances of carbon savings by mitigating the impact of unpredictable weather patterns.
The IMO's current climate targets are insufficient to address the industry's growing CO2 emissions, which now account for 3% of global emissions. The organization lacks the political instruments and resources needed to implement more ambitious goals.
A new electrochemical device developed by Rice University engineers can capture carbon dioxide directly from sources like flue gas to the atmosphere using electricity. The system has efficiency above 98% and requires minimal electricity input, making it a promising front for climate change mitigation.
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.
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.
Researchers review molten salt CO2 electrolysis's process mechanisms, salt selection, and operating conditions to improve current efficiencies. Key challenges include system scaling up, corrosion investigation, and engineering analysis.
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 ...
Researchers at OU are developing a scalable, integrated sensing platform to detect and monitor methane emissions in the Anadarko Basin. The system aims to help companies identify and mitigate accidental leaks, achieving detection at the meter scale.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered reactor that captures CO2 from industrial processes or directly from the air and converts it into sustainable fuels. The technology also uses plastic waste, converting it into glycolic acid and other valuable chemical products.
Researchers develop new approach to quantify respiration and its temperature sensitivity in terrestrial ecosystems. Their findings suggest lower temperature sensitivities than previously thought, but caution that natural components alone cannot mitigate climate change.
Scientists have developed a new catalyst that can convert toxic carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide even at room temperature. By varying the size of the ceria particles, they improved the performance of palladium-based catalysts, increasing reactivity and efficiency.
A new study found that the global food system is responsible for a third of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with beef and dairy consumption being the largest contributors. The study suggests that adopting a more plant-based diet could help reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.
A decade-long study reveals that warmer temperatures lead to significant loss of organic compounds in deep forest soils, affecting carbon sequestration. This finding has implications for natural carbon sinks and soil management practices.
A study by University of Zurich researchers found that global warming is accelerating the decomposition of soil humus and affecting plant storage of carbon. The findings have significant implications for relying on soils as a natural carbon sink to tackle global warming.
Researchers found that electric rideshare fleets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but may also increase air pollution and traffic problems. The study used real-world data from Chicago to simulate the impacts of electrification.
A study by University of Waterloo researchers reveals that Canada's carbon price regime exposes high-emitting industries to significant default risks, with assets worth $256 billion at risk. Financial lenders must consider carbon emissions in credit risk assessments to mitigate this risk.
Researchers investigated the tradeoff between reducing CO2 emissions and increasing renewable energy supply in office buildings. They found that access to the power grid can mitigate the impact of weather variability, but extreme weather events increase battery storage costs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new, energy-efficient approach to removing CO2 directly from air has been developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and licensed to Holocene. The technology uses an aqueous solution containing receptors called Bis-iminoguanidine to absorb carbon dioxide, which can then be stored deep underground.
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.
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.
A new study finds that mycorrhizal fungi store up to 36% of yearly global fossil fuel emissions' carbon, equivalent to roughly 13 gigatons. This vast underground network is essential to both storing carbon and global biodiversity.
Restoring blue carbon ecosystems like seagrasses and mangroves can remove additional carbon from the atmosphere while combating ocean acidity. This process, known as inorganic carbon capture, is potentially more durable than organic carbon burial.
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.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
Researchers at POSTECH have developed a bioink using alginate from algae and visible light, resulting in enhanced cell viability and printing resolution. This innovation could lead to the creation of artificial organs and tissues, as well as cultivated meat with lower environmental impact.
A new review of research suggests that applying biochar to agricultural fields can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide and methane. The study found that biochar can store carbon in stable forms for thousands of years, making it a promising technology for achieving negative emissions.
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.
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.
A new study by Penn State researchers found that some climate mitigation strategies could result in harmful health impacts in specific areas, particularly if significant land use changes are required for bioenergy production. This could lead to worsened respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, resulting in premature deaths.
NERC has invested £25 million in a host of high-risk, high-reward research projects tackling key unanswered questions about our planet. The projects cover geology, atmospheric science, biodiversity and ecology, with research spanning 3-4 years and funding up to £1.3 million.
Researchers have developed a novel tin-based MOF that can selectively reduce CO2 to formate in the presence of visible light, achieving high selectivity and quantum yield. The material, called KGF-10, was found to be efficient, precious-metal-free, and single-component.
Current global methane emissions policies are inadequate, covering only 13% of emissions, and are often based on inaccurate data. Stronger social support and political consensus are needed for effective methane mitigation to slow down climate change and improve air quality.
Astronomers have discovered an Earth-sized planet, LP 791-18d, with active volcanoes that could sustain an atmosphere, potentially allowing for liquid water and life. The planet's unique tidal locking creates a permanent day and night side, with the night side possibly experiencing condensation of water vapor.
Scientists from Doshisha University, Japan have developed a new electrochemical method to reduce CO2 into multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using molten salts. The study demonstrates a sustainable process for converting CO2 into commercially useful materials without the use of fossil fuels.
A Bangor University paper quantifies the carbon benefits of ending bottom trawling, finding only a small fraction of seabed carbon reacts to disturbance. The study challenges the validity of previous claims and suggests using 'carbon credits' for banning trawling may actually increase overall CO2 emissions.
A new metric, called the carbon storage (CS) factor, enables urban planners to evaluate how a new development will affect the city's carbon balance. By using the right kind of wooden construction technologies, up to 70% of future construction can preserve lost forest carbon storage capacity.
A long-term study at the University of Eastern Finland reveals a significant reduction in palsa area by over 75% from 1959 to 2021. Climate change has only a limited impact on active layer thickness, contradicting expectations.
A Chinese Medical Journal review highlights the health hazards of air pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, hospitalization, and respiratory mortality. The study suggests that reducing PM2.5 levels through government interventions and individual...
Researchers have engineered bacteria to combine natural enzymatic reactions with the carbene transfer reaction, producing new-to-nature carbon products that can be used in biochemicals and advanced biofuels. This breakthrough could reduce industrial emissions by providing sustainable alternatives to chemical manufacturing processes.
A global study found that mosses cover over 9.4 million km² globally, providing essential services to the environment. Mosses support plant ecosystems by laying the foundations for plants to flourish and may play an important role in mitigating against climate change by capturing vast amounts of carbon.
A new study suggests that increased exposure to air pollution may be associated with first hospital admissions for acute kidney injury. The research found a link between PM2.5, NO2, and O3 exposure and an increased risk of AKI, even at low annual exposures.
Climate change could cause a 20-40% reduction in twilight zone life by the end of the century. The study predicts that life in the twilight zone could be severely depleted within 150 years, with no recovery for thousands of years.
Researchers have developed a method to extract valuable metals from old mining waste using microbes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30%. This process also captures carbon dioxide from the air and stores it in the tailings as new minerals.
A new study found that turning off MRIs overnight reduces their energy use by 25-33% and switching to 'power save' mode decreases energy use by 46-51%. This technique could save U.S. healthcare between $8 million and nearly $11 million annually.
Researchers have developed a new method using co-thermal in-situ reduction of inorganic carbonates to produce high-purity CO with a selectivity of 95.8%, reducing carbon-dioxide emission and offering potential for green hydrogen production.
A study found that some of the world's largest slaughterhouses reduced cattle-driven deforestation in the Amazon by 15% through their zero-deforestation policies. If fully implemented, these policies could halve cattle-driven deforestation in Brazil by sparing over 24,000km2 of forest.
According to the study, 50 countries' climate plans predict 12 gigatons of CO2 emissions annually by 2050, which must be removed from the atmosphere. The researchers emphasize the need for rapid reductions here and now, as relying solely on technology and nature restoration may not be sufficient to meet this goal.
Oceanographers warn of limitations in carbon dioxide removal, emphasizing the need for rapid emission cuts to limit global warming. Clear definitions of marine heatwaves are also crucial for coastal communities to adapt and resource managers to prioritize mitigation strategies.
Scientists at Washington State University have created a carbon-negative concrete that can sequester up to 23% of its weight in CO2 while maintaining strength comparable to regular cement. This innovation could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint, with potential applications in pavements and bridges.
A new study published in Sleep Health found that high levels of air pollution, carbon dioxide, noise, and temperature can lower sleep efficiency. The study analyzed data from 62 participants and found significant associations between these environmental factors and reduced sleep quality.
A special report highlights radiology's role in combatting climate change, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices in healthcare. Radiologists are well-positioned to innovate more sustainable methods of care, such as telemedicine and energy-efficient equipment purchasing.
A new detection technique reveals that megafires emit significantly more methane than previously thought, posing challenges to California's climate goals. Researchers used remote sensing to measure methane emissions from wildfires, finding nearly 20 gigagrams of methane emitted by a single fire.
The study found that 68% of carbon contributions come from single-use items, with production and waste disposal contributing significantly. Reusable alternatives for products like gowns, drapes, and instrument table drapes can reduce carbon footprint by one third.