Articles tagged with Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Researchers discovered that blending crushed rock with arable soil could help reduce global temperatures. The process, known as enhanced chemical weathering, works by releasing calcium and magnesium from rocks, which bind atmospheric carbon dioxide and prevent its release back into the atmosphere.
Mainz University and Evonik researchers have created an environmentally friendly process to generate dicarboxylic acids, a crucial chemical building block for polyamides. The new technique uses only oxygen, electricity, and hydrocarbon compounds, eliminating heavy metals and strong acids, and resulting in no nitrogen oxide emissions.
A new study quantifies the climate benefits of enhanced weathering, applying ground-up silicate rock to Midwestern farm fields to capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide. The method reduced net carbon loss to the atmosphere by 42% in maize plots and more than doubled carbon storage in miscanthus plots.
Researchers have discovered clues about Antarctica's ice sheet formation in Mississippi mud, suggesting a 300,000-year brake on climate cooling. The study provides new insights into the Eocene-Oligocene transition, a significant climate event that had a major impact on Earth's history.
A new UCF project aims to examine a method to keep carbon from escaping soils and trapping heat in Earth's atmosphere. Researchers will focus on histosols in the Everglades Agricultural Area, adding fine minerals to prevent carbon release.
A new study suggests that applying crushed volcanic rocks to agricultural fields can draw down 217 gigatons of carbon dioxide, meeting the lower end of the IPCC's 2100 target. The method, called enhanced rock weathering, is more efficient in hot and wet tropical regions and works well in warmer temperatures.
New research found that plant water use efficiency has stalled since 2001 due to climate change, contradicting earlier hopes it would help improve water consumption. The study's findings suggest that rising temperatures and atmospheric CO2 may be undermining nature-based methods to achieve carbon neutrality.
Researchers confirm fracking triggers tremors, which can be used to track fluid movement and monitor fault activity. This finding has implications for sustainability and climate science, as carbon sequestration through fracking may reduce atmospheric emissions.
A chemical process used by cooks to create flavors and aromas is believed to have helped create conditions for complex life to evolve on Earth. The Maillard reaction, also known as the browning of food, converts small molecules into larger ones that are harder for microorganisms to break down.
A team of researchers at Texas A&M University has developed a new model to accurately measure ancient ocean temperatures using clumped isotopes. By understanding the reordering process, they were able to identify the role of water as an accelerator in resetting clumped isotope temperatures.
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.
A new study published in Global Change Biology suggests that large-scale ocean iron fertilization could exacerbate climate change-driven nutrient shortages and productivity losses in the tropics, potentially harming coastal fisheries. The research also showed a five percent decline in fish and marine species biomass in tropical areas d...
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.
The 2023 International Venus Observation Campaign aims to characterize the planet's atmosphere near the cloud-top level from three locations in the solar system. Key findings include the discovery of unknown UV absorbers in the upper clouds, which will be studied using data from JAXA's Akatsuki orbiter and ground-based telescopes.
Scientists have found that a notable amount of subducted carbon is returned to the atmosphere through volcanic degassing in the Aleutian-Alaska Arc. This recycling process improves our understanding of Earth's climate and can help inform global climate models.
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.
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.
A team of researchers led by Indiana University's Chen Zhu aims to understand the chemical processes that trap CO2 in rocks. They will employ an isotope tracer method to investigate basalt-CO2-water interactions, which have shown potential for rapid carbon storage.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers develop a new method for fixing carbon dioxide using formic acid, which can replace conventional chemical manufacturing processes with carbon-neutral biological methods. The process produces formaldehyde, a non-toxic substance that can be fed into metabolic pathways to create valuable substances.
A study by University of Cologne researchers found that 25-35% of permafrost's organic carbon is bound to mineral particles, making it harder for microorganisms to utilize. This complex binding process affects the release of greenhouse gases from thawing permafrost.
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.
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.
The study analyzed ancient dolomite deposits to estimate the temperature and composition of a shallow inland sea during the Palaeoproterozoic era. The findings suggest that the conditions were ideal for photosynthetic algae to emerge, pumping oxygen into the atmosphere.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that climate change-related natural disasters have increased since 1980 and cost the US over $2 trillion in recovery costs. The analysis suggests that rising CO2 levels and temperatures will lead to more frequent and severe disasters, with exponentially increasing costs.
A team of Cornell University scientists has dusted off an ancient electrochemical equation to better understand the conversion of carbon dioxide. The Cottrell equation enables researchers to control experimental parameters and produce useful carbon products like ethylene, ethane, or ethanol.
Residual carbon emissions are a major obstacle to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. According to University at Buffalo researcher Holly Jean Buck, the world must reach net-zero this century to limit temperature increase, but residual emissions pose significant challenges.
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.
Researchers developed a stable and active catalyst for CO2 hydrogenation at room temperature, achieving high conversion efficiency comparable to state-of-the-art heterogeneous catalysts. The PdMo intermetallic catalyst was synthesized via a simple ammonolysis process and demonstrated robustness and durability in various conditions.
A model shows enhanced rock weathering will only leak minimal carbon if its products are stored in the ocean. The technique may help constrain global warming below 1.5ºC or 2ºC by century's end.
Researchers from Heidelberg University discovered CO2 pulses in Australian atmosphere at end of dry season, triggered by soil microorganisms activated by heavy rainfall. This finding suggests dry regions have a significant influence on the global carbon cycle, contributing to climate modelling and understanding.
A novel copper-containing polymeric filter can effectively capture carbon dioxide from the air, converting it into sodium bicarbonate that can be released harmlessly into the ocean. The technology has garnered international attention and could be powered by renewable energy in the future.
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.
The project, STEAM TANKS, aims to measure methane and other volatile organic compounds emitted from liquid storage tanks in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The researchers will use mobile laboratories, machine learning methods, and partner with industry leaders to develop solutions to mitigate methane emissions.
A new study suggests that releasing 1000 gigatons of carbon will cause the southern portion of the ice sheet to melt irreversibly, while 2500 gigatons could lead to permanent loss of nearly the entire ice sheet. The researchers' findings indicate that we are nearing the first tipping point and may not be able to reverse it.
A new study has found that the growing period of hardwood forests in eastern North America has increased by an average of one month over the past century as temperatures have steadily risen. The research used data from Ohio farmer Thomas Mikesell's comprehensive dataset and compared it to present-day observations, revealing a clear con...
Researchers developed an algorithm using quantum computing to study amine reactions and find new compounds for carbon capture. The algorithm can quickly screen thousands of molecules and structures, vital for practical applications in fields like carbon capture.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that the ocean's ability to absorb CO2 will peak by 2100 and become less efficient after 2300 due to a surface layer of low-alkalinity water. This emergence hinders CO2 absorption, leading to faster warming.
A new study finds that rising temperatures will increase harmful plant emissions and dust, leading to a 14% boost in air pollution. The degradation in future air quality from natural sources is predicted to be significant, with two-thirds of the pollution coming from plants.
A recent geological study has confirmed that major changes in the global carbon cycle occurred on land during the early Cretaceous Period, matching those recorded in marine sedimentary rocks. The research, led by Matt Joeckel of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, used chemical and radioactivity-based analyses to find evidence of two d...
A new study finds that coccolithophores, a common group of marine phytoplankton, dominate the production of calcium carbonate in the surface ocean. This process controls atmospheric CO2 levels and is crucial for understanding climate change and ocean acidification.
Researchers at MIT have developed a membrane-free electrochemical process to remove carbon dioxide from seawater, potentially reversing ocean acidification. The system could be integrated with existing desalination plants or ships to help mitigate emissions.
Researchers found that the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, a 5-8°C warming event, was caused by high carbon dioxide and methane levels. The team's study provides new insights into sedimentary systems and the impact of seasonal changes on ocean turbidity.
Research from Imperial College London and University of Exeter reveals that cooperative microbial communities release more carbon dioxide than competitive ones, contributing significantly to climate change. This finding has far-reaching implications for understanding the impact of temperature changes on global carbon cycles.
Researchers are exploring how a kind of clay can soak up carbon dioxide and store it, potentially reducing the impact of climate change. The study found that carbon dioxide is more stable in wet clay nanopores than in plain water.
A new study finds that salp blooms can offset as much CO2 as emitted by millions of cars, with some estimates suggesting up to 28,000 vehicles. Salps' unique features and rapid reproduction lead to large amounts of carbon being exported to the deep sea.
Scientists at PNNL have created a new system that efficiently captures CO2 and converts it into methanol, reducing emissions and establishing a market for CO2-containing materials. The technology could help stimulate the development of other carbon capture technologies and promote a more circular economy.
The MEDA instrument aboard the Perseverance rover has provided high-precision meteorological measurements of Mars' atmosphere, revealing seasonal and daily cycles as well as dynamic phenomena like dust devils. The analysis sheds light on the Martian climate and its potential for supporting life.
A new study analyzes carbon dioxide removal quotas for developing countries, considering issues of equity and fairness. The allocation methods were based on extended equity principles and assessed the implications for these seven tropical developing countries.
Researchers link extreme thunderstorms to Amazon tree deaths, predicting 43% increase in large windthrow events by the end of the century. The tropics will see a 50% increase in areas susceptible to extreme storms triggering windthrows.
A University of Rhode Island professor's study has developed a macromolecular model of phytoplankton, which could have significant implications for climate research. The model predicts the variation in C:N:P ratios throughout the ocean, providing new insights into how phytoplankton respond to changing environmental conditions.
A group of scientists developed a machine learning approach to predict amine emissions from a carbon capture plant. They analyzed data from a stress test at a German power plant and found that two amines respond in opposite ways, increasing or decreasing emissions. This new method has the potential to change the way chemical plants ope...