Articles tagged with Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
A new study reveals ocean acidification is occurring at a rate 10 times faster than previously predicted, posing severe threats to marine food webs and species diversity. The increasing acidity of the ocean harms certain sea animals and could reduce its ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
A team of scientists says the globe-warming carbon dioxide level has probably reached a point where world climate will change disastrously unless the level can be reduced. The CO2 needs to be reduced to around 350 parts per million to keep current warming trends from moving rapidly upward.
Researchers have created a new model to calculate how much CO2 can be stored safely in geological formations, with potential applications for large-scale carbon sequestration projects. The tool predicts the migration of CO2 plumes and can help policymakers make informed decisions about storage sites.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a method to estimate photosynthetic uptake by plants over large regions, improving accuracy of global warming and land cover change estimates. By analyzing carbonyl sulfide levels, scientists can quantify human-generated CO2 emissions and develop better management strategies.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how plants absorb and release carbon dioxide, a vital step in understanding the impact of climate change. By measuring carbonyl sulfide, a compound consumed by plants during photosynthesis, scientists can now quantify gas flow into plants.
A revised theory suggests that carbon dioxide levels have already entered a danger zone, necessitating a reduction below current levels of 385 parts per million (ppm). The study concludes that coal is the largest source of atmospheric CO2 and that phasing out its use could lead to a significant decline in CO2 emissions.
A new analysis suggests that warmer temperatures could cause significant loss of carbon from shallow and deep peat bogs, with potential losses ranging from 40% to 86%.
The new global carbon budget shows unprecedented acceleration of CO2 emissions and atmospheric accumulation, with natural sinks growing slower than emissions. Decreasing forest cover mainly due to deforestation is responsible for a significant portion of emissions, while oceans' carbon uptake has decreased by 10 million tons.
Ocean acidification could devastate coral reefs even if atmospheric carbon dioxide stabilizes at 450 ppm. Computer simulations suggest that only a small fraction of existing coral reefs would remain in waters with the kind of chemistry that has sustained them in the past.
A four-year study by Rice University and DRI found that one abnormally warm year can reduce carbon dioxide uptake in grassland ecosystems for up to two years. The study replicated daily and seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall, and tracked CO2 flux between the atmosphere and biosphere.
Researchers used five emission scenarios to predict future carbon dioxide levels. If coal emissions are phased out by 2050, all scenarios result in levels below the 450 parts per million threshold, potentially avoiding 'dangerous' climate change. The study suggests reducing coal emissions is essential.
A new analysis suggests that old growth forests, often considered irrelevant to climate change mitigation, may account for up to 10% of global net carbon uptake. These forests continue to absorb carbon dioxide and store it in woody tissues, storing more than they release for centuries.
Researchers estimate 1,672 billion metric tons of carbon locked up in permafrost, more than double the 780 billion tons in the atmosphere today. The thawing process could release significant amounts of greenhouse gases, supplementing human-influenced emissions.
Research suggests that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are the primary cause of Greenland's ice formation, contrary to competing theories. The study uses computer climate and ice-sheet models to show that a decline in CO2 levels led to the long-term growth of the Greenland ice sheet.
Researchers at Arizona State University have made a breakthrough in understanding the effect of brown carbon on climate change by developing a novel technique to measure its optical properties. This discovery could lead to more accurate forecasting of global warming activity, as current models often overlook this key component.
Duke University scientists found that microbes' nutrient balance affects carbon dioxide release into the atmosphere. A universal mathematical formula can predict decomposition patterns globally.
A recent Ohio State University study reveals that a single typhoon in Taiwan buries as much carbon in the ocean as all other rains combined, with 500,000 tons of carbon being washed away during Typhoon Mindulle. This finding could help scientists develop better models of global climate change.
A new study reveals that Amazon River's nutrient-rich outflow supports unexpected plant life, trapping atmospheric carbon dioxide. The discovery may alter climate scientists' calculations and suggest alternative sinks for CO2.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that paying rural landowners in Oregon to protect at-risk animals may not lead to increased carbon sequestration. In fact, conservation efforts may even harm species if they prioritize tree and plant growth over animal protection.
The oceans have absorbed 40% of human-caused carbon dioxide, causing a 0.1-unit drop in surface pH; acidification may harm corals and plankton by mid-century if emissions aren't reduced. Carbon dioxide levels could reach 0.35 units by the mid-21st century if cuts aren't made immediately.
Researchers have discovered high levels of acidified ocean water off the West Coast of North America, with corrosive levels detected within 20 miles of the shoreline. The acidic water is likely 50 years old and may increase in future due to rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
A study published in Science reveals that anthropogenic nitrogen has a significant impact on ocean biology, photosynthesis, and the global carbon cycle. The research highlights how increased nitrogen deposition from human activities affects the oceans' ability to absorb CO2.
A team of scientists found that human-caused nitrogen compounds entering the ocean may remove up to 10% of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, this gain is offset by the release of nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas.
Scientists have discovered ice core data showing low CO2 levels and methane fluctuations that match temperature curves. The findings provide insight into climate history and help develop models for future climate changes.
Scientists have discovered a natural feedback system that kept carbon dioxide levels in check before fossil fuels. The system, linked to mineral breakdowns, regulates the carbon cycle and prevents runaway greenhouse conditions. Human emissions have recently overwhelmed this delicate balance.
To accurately track regional emissions, a global data collection network 10 times larger is needed. Scientists propose increasing the number of carbon measurement sites from 100 to 1,000 to decrease uncertainty in computer models and help quantify changes.
A new study published in Nature argues that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has underestimated the technological challenges of reducing CO2 emissions. The authors suggest that the IPCC's assumptions are overly optimistic, as spontaneous advances in technology will not carry most of the burden of achieving future em...
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels in soybeans attracted more adult Japanese beetles, Western corn rootworms, and Asian soybean aphids. The study suggests that global environmental change is multifaceted, with increased insect damage due to impaired plant defenses.
Marine microorganisms have evolved a way to break the rules of photosynthesis, releasing less oxygen and absorbing fewer carbon dioxide. This discovery impacts our understanding of photosynthesis and its effect on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to decreased soil organic matter, contradicting expectations. The researchers attribute this finding to increased moisture in the soil, which accelerates decomposition and reduces soil productivity.
Biologists have elucidated a plant gene controlling atmospheric ozone entry, helping explain why CO2 levels may not increase photosynthesis. The discovery provides a new tool for geneticists to design plants with drought resistance by regulating stomatal pores.
The crew will make groundbreaking measurements to explain how huge fluxes of climate-affecting gases move between atmosphere and sea. The Southern Ocean, comprising 30% of global seas, is a source of great uncertainty in the global system.
Researchers have found that electrons lose energy to carbon monoxide faster than to carbon dioxide at higher atmospheric levels on Mars and Venus. This discovery contributes to modeling techniques used for Earth's atmosphere, providing opportunities for validation and testing.
A new study suggests that reducing carbon dioxide emissions to near-zero levels is necessary to stabilize the planet's climate. The research found that even with zero emissions, global temperatures would remain high for at least 500 years due to heat held in oceans, emphasizing the urgency of drastic action.
Researchers analyzed fossil leaves to understand the impact of climate change on insect populations, finding a correlation between temperature and herbivore damage. The study suggests that increased insect feeding will be a net effect of anthropogenic carbon dioxide increase and warming temperatures.
A Northwestern University professor is studying rivers to understand how organic carbon is processed and consumed by microorganisms, revealing that it's a bigger component of global carbon cycling than thought. The study provides a framework for assessing these processes and sheds light on the internal cycling of carbon in rivers.
Researchers have identified a large number of genes that govern how diatoms build their shells, which are crucial for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study also reveals a link between iron availability and shell thickness, with implications for climate change mitigation strategies.
Scientists found that rising carbon dioxide levels can delay autumnal senescence, allowing forests to stay greener longer, and potentially increasing productivity. However, other factors such as ozone levels may negate these benefits.
A leading international team of marine scientists has warned that it is too early to sell carbon offsets from ocean iron fertilization. The researchers emphasize the need for larger-scale experiments to assess the efficiency and potential side effects of this method, which could have unintended ecological impacts.
A recent study found that northern ecosystems lose more carbon than they gain from warmer autumn temperatures, offsetting up to 90% of spring's increased carbon uptake. This reduction in carbon sequestration capacity is attributed to increased soil decomposition and decreased carbon uptake during autumn.
Scientists warn that coral reefs will struggle to survive in increasingly acidic ocean waters due to rising carbon emissions, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The Great Barrier Reef is among the first victims of this acidification, which could lead to its collapse by mid-century.
A new study has found that higher CO2 levels can lead to more plant litter, which in turn can boost the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. This process, known as the 'priming effect,' was observed in a tropical forest study.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new model that takes into account nitrogen dynamics to better understand how plants and soils interact with climate change. The model reveals that nitrogen availability influences carbon dioxide uptake, potentially leading to overestimations of forest carbon sequestration.
Researchers have found that less carbon is transported to deep water during natural plankton blooms than during the rest of the year, suggesting the Biological Pump leaks. This discovery challenges ocean fertilization schemes, which ignore natural processes and may not remove as much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Researchers have found eight white dwarf stars with pure carbon atmospheres, challenging existing theories on stellar evolution. The discovery may provide a unique view into the hearts of dying stars, shedding light on their evolutionary sequences.
A NASA study found that Hurricane Katrina killed or severely damaged 320 million trees in Gulf Coast forests, weakening their ability to store carbon from the atmosphere. This has led to these forests releasing large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, potentially amplifying climate warming.
Hurricane Katrina's impact on Gulf Coast forests can cancel out a year's worth of new tree growth in other parts of the country. The study found that 320 million trees were killed or severely damaged, releasing significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.
The first 'State of the Carbon Cycle Report' reveals a troubling imbalance in North America's carbon budget, largely driven by human-caused emissions. The continent's natural sinks, such as forests and soils, may be unable to compensate for increasing carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers invent technology to accelerate Earth's own solution to greenhouse gas accumulation by removing CO2 from the atmosphere and transferring it to the ocean. The engineered weathering process can safely and permanently remove excess CO2 in a matter of decades, mitigating global warming.
Researchers developed a method to accelerate removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in oceans for centuries, mimicking nature's natural weathering process. This new technology may counteract acidification of oceans threatening coral reefs and provide a feasible solution for reducing global warming.
Severe US wildfires can release as much CO2 as the entire transportation sector of a state, posing challenges for emissions tracking. The study found that fires in Western and Southeastern states account for a disproportionate share of carbon emissions.
New research estimates that US fires release around 290 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that large fires can release enormous pulses of CO2 rapidly into the atmosphere, complicating efforts to understand and combat global warming.
A recent study found that forest fires in boreal forests have a greater direct impact on carbon emissions than climate change. The researchers used a computer model to simulate the carbon balance of one million square kilometers of Canadian forest over the past 60 years, determining that fires are the primary driver of carbon emissions.
A recent study confirms that the proportion of carbon dioxide emissions absorbed by land and oceans is declining, leading to a faster increase in atmospheric CO2 levels. This trend has major implications for climate modeling and highlights the need to reduce global emissions to mitigate climate change.
A new study reveals that human activities are releasing carbon dioxide at a faster rate than ever, while natural carbon sinks are weakening. The global economy's carbon intensity has increased since 2000, posing a challenge in mitigating climate change.
A recent study reveals that atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) growth has increased by 35% faster than expected since 2000, primarily driven by inefficient fossil fuel use and declining natural sinks. This acceleration in CO2 growth poses significant challenges for achieving stabilization of atmospheric CO2 levels.
A new study suggests that deep-sea temperatures warmed about 1,300 years before the tropical surface ocean and well before the rise in atmospheric CO2. The finding indicates that rising greenhouse gas was likely a result of warming and may have accelerated the meltdown, but was not its main cause.
A team of scientists warns that CO2 emissions could alter ocean chemistry, violating EPA water quality criteria by mid-century. The study predicts that atmospheric CO2 concentrations will exceed 500 ppm by century's end, posing significant risks to marine biota and food webs.
Researchers have compiled the world's first detailed gene expression library for Symbiodinium, a microscopic algae that feeds corals and drives the reef's fate. Understanding its biochemical relationship with corals is crucial for addressing coral bleaching and climate change.
Researchers discovered a unique set of olfactory neurons in mice that are sensitive to carbon dioxide, allowing them to detect the gas. This finding may have significant implications for how animals adapt to increasing atmospheric CO2 levels.