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‘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

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

Surrey researchers unravel the workings of a unique carbon capture technology, advancing the UK's mission to reach net zero

Surrey researchers have made significant breakthroughs in capturing and converting carbon dioxide into useful products. The team's switchable DFM, 'NiRuNa/CeAl', captures CO2 in three chemical reactions: methanation, reverse water-gas shift, and dry reforming of methane.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

Building a blueprint for zero-emissions agriculture

The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023

Confinement effects of carbon nanotubes on polyoxometalate clusters enhance electrochemical energy storage

Researchers have developed a method to encapsulate polyoxometalate molecules within carbon nanotubes, enhancing the electrochemical energy storage of materials. The study found that these hybrids exhibit improved electrochemical properties due to reduced aggregation and increased electron transfer.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJun 8, 2023

Brazilian algorithm aims to project future of Amazon Rainforest and predict changes in carbon capture

The CAETÊ algorithm projects the future of vegetation in the Amazon, presenting scenarios for transformation driven by climate change. It shows that a drier climate could increase biodiversity but lower carbon storage, with carbon absorption dropping between 57.48% and 57.75% compared to regular climate conditions.

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

US forests face an unclear future with climate change

A new study by University of Utah researchers finds that US forests may lose carbon through fire, stress, and insect damage, compromising their role as a climate solution. The study suggests urgent need to update carbon offset protocols with best available science on climate risks.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2023

Rising temperatures alter ‘missing link’ of microbial processes, putting northern peatlands at risk

Climate change is expected to impact northern peatlands, a key carbon storage ecosystem. A recent study found that rising temperatures and increased carbon dioxide levels can disrupt the delicate balance between nitrogen fixation and methane oxidation, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2023

Harnessing nature to promote planetary sustainability

The latest issue of PLOS Biology features a special collection on biology-based solutions to reduce plastic pollution, carbon dioxide emissions, and produce food or energy more sustainably. Insect enzymes may degrade plastic waste, while photosynthetic algae can capture CO2 produced by industrial applications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2023

Greenlandic glacial rock flour can help fight climate change

Researchers found that Greenlandic glacial rock flour can capture large amounts of CO2 through enhanced weathering, improving crop yields by up to 24% in Danish fields. The fine powder also acts as a natural fertilizer, providing a wider array of nutrients than commercial organic fertilizers.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·TypeCase study·DateMar 16, 2023

New research: Hotter and drier conditions limit forest recovery from wildfires

Warmer and drier climate conditions are making it less likely for trees to regenerate after wildfires, according to new research published in PNAS. Ecological forest management can partially offset climate-driven declines in tree regeneration by limiting fire-caused tree death, but only if action is taken quickly.

SourceThe Nature Conservancy, Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Engineered wood grows stronger while trapping carbon dioxide

Rice University scientists have developed a method to engineer wood that traps carbon dioxide while increasing its strength. This process involves removing lignin and hemicellulose from the wood and replacing them with metal-organic framework particles, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

Better understanding on the way to a carbon-neutral economy

A team of researchers has identified the importance of rifted margins in the transition to a green economy. These continental margins harbor vast accumulations of rocks and hydrocarbon reserves, making them a potential location for new resources needed for a carbon-neutral economy. The study provides an overview of the processes that s...

SourceMARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

Uncovering the secrets of electron-eating microorganisms

Researchers at Aarhus University are studying electro-trophic microorganisms that convert green electricity and CO2 into high-value products. The project aims to understand the underlying mechanisms of these microbes, which could lead to breakthroughs in microbiological Power-to-X and novel tools for microbial corrosion prevention.

New species of microalgae discovered

Scientists have identified a new species of microalgae, Medakamo hakoo, which has the smallest known genome of any freshwater algae. The discovery could lead to the mass production of substances such as functional foods, cosmetics, and biofuels at low cost.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Carbon dioxide removal should receive additional financial support

A study suggests that subsidies for carbon dioxide removal should be higher than the price on carbon emissions due to economic leakage. This is because ambitious countries reducing emissions can lead to other countries increasing their emissions, reducing overall emissions reduction. In contrast, carbon dioxide removal does not affect ...

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2022

Toward net-zero emissions nitrogen fertilizers

Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022

Producing fertilizer without carbon emissions

Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateDec 19, 2022

Whales could be a valuable carbon sink, say scientists

Researchers explore the importance of understanding whale carbon sequestration potential to combat climate change. Whales can store more carbon than small animals, influencing nutrient dynamics and carbon cycling over ocean-basin scales.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 15, 2022

An integrated, net-negative system captures carbon and produces ethylene

Researchers at UIC have created an integrated system that captures carbon dioxide from flue gas and converts it to high-purity ethylene, achieving net-negative carbon emissions. The system's modular design allows for easy scaling up and down, making it a potential breakthrough in sustainable ethylene production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022