Articles tagged with Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
A new study by University of Utah researchers found that energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy investments had limited impact on reducing CO2 emissions. However, policies aimed at improving energy efficiency had no effect, while investment in renewable energy sources led to increased levels of CO2 emissions in the residen...
Scientists study potential for life around M-dwarf planets with new telescope, finding atmospheres may be dried out due to intense radiation. The James Webb Space Telescope can detect gases in heavy carbon dioxide or oxygen-dominated atmospheres.
Coral reefs will experience substantial declines in productivity and survival due to rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, with some attributes responding similarly to heat stress with or without acidification
A team of Texas A&M University researchers propose capturing CO2 and water from passenger vehicle exhaust for use in urban greenhouses. Preliminary simulations indicate that the system could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a sustainable source of reclaimed resources for food production.
Five innovative research projects tackle fundamental questions of environmental and earth science, including the origins of Earth and life on Mars. The studies aim to advance our understanding and lead to important scientific breakthroughs.
A new study provides a comprehensive framework to evaluate the emissions of three major greenhouse gases from food production and consumption. The research found that animal-based foods emit 57% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while plant-based foods account for 29%, with CO2 being the most important emission factor.
The study found that tropical forest edges are releasing large amounts of carbon into the atmosphere due to increased tree mortality. By 2100, the proportion of forest edges is projected to increase from 31% to almost 50% if deforestation rates remain high.
A new study led by Dr. Claudia Tocco found that elevated CO2 levels directly impact the development and survival of tunnelling dung beetles. The study reveals that beetles grown under heightened CO2 levels experience lower survival rates and are smaller in size compared to those raised under pre-industrial conditions.
A recent study by Wits University scientists reveals that elevated atmospheric CO2 has detrimental effects on dung beetle development. The findings suggest that increased CO2 levels may contribute to the decline in insect populations.
The study reveals that climate change affects the rate of decomposition and insect contributions to deadwood, releasing approximately 10.9 giga-tons of carbon worldwide annually
Fine root anatomy and function data from the FRED 3.0 database informs Earth system models predicting future climate changes. Meanwhile, 3D printed concrete smart walls demonstrate energy efficiency and potential cost savings in buildings.
Researchers have developed tiny 'nanojars' that can split bicarbonate into carbonate and capture it, as well as certain toxic anions, making them suitable for recycling. The nanojars are made up of multiple repeating units of a copper ion and a pyrazole group, and can selectively bind to specific ions.
Researchers at UEA developed a new method for measuring carbon uptake by Arctic plants, providing insights into the impact of climate change on this process. This study reduces uncertainties in previous assessments and investigates the influence of environmental factors on carbon uptake.
A new study reveals zooplankton exhibit high-frequency 'mini-migrations' due to cloud shadows, affecting their energy expenditure and carbon transport. The daily process of swimming up and down in response to subtle changes in light intensity may have significant implications for Earth's carbon cycle.
Researchers at Lehigh University have developed an energy-saving desalination process using carbon dioxide, which can reduce water pretreatment required and cost savings. The HIX-Desal technology has shown promising results in reducing salinity of treated wastewater by over 60% without the need for reverse osmosis.
A team of researchers has successfully synthesized polycarbonate diols from carbon dioxide and diol at atmospheric pressure using a CeO2 catalyst. This process eliminates the need for dehydrating agents, producing only water as a by-product, making it an attractive alternative to existing methods.
A $1 million NASA grant supports the development of a new carbon monitoring system for East Africa, which combines satellite data with ecological modeling to quantify regional carbon stocks and fluxes. The system aims to improve climate mitigation efforts and inform food-security policies.
A new method evaluates satellite CO2 observations over open ocean areas, using cargo ship and passenger aircraft data. The study reveals a negative bias in satellite XCO2 data, which can be attributed to uncertainties in the retrieval algorithms.
A geoscientific study suggests that the proliferation of marine animals with silicon skeletons and land plants altered the carbon-silicon cycle, changing Earth's climate regulation. The research used lithium isotope levels to trace the cycle over three billion years.
A study estimated the amount of carbon emitted from biomass burning in Equatorial Asia during 2015, using high-precision observations from a commercial passenger aircraft and a cargo ship. The estimated emissions were around 273 Tg C, comparable to Japan's annual CO2 emissions.
A new study published in Nature found that the arrival of plants on land about 400 million years ago may have altered the Earth's natural climate regulation. The researchers discovered a shift in the global formation of clay, which led to reduced carbon dioxide levels and a cooler planet.
Agricultural crop residues play a crucial role in sequestering carbon, with plant material that rots in soil storing carbon for roughly four times longer than if it isn't added. This method has the potential to store between 0.8 and 1.5 gigatonnes of carbon annually, significantly aiding climate efforts.
A new scheme proposes tying CO2 emissions to carbon removal obligations to slow global warming. The researchers argue that funds for future carbon debt repayment should be collected through a carbon pricing scheme before and while carbon debt is accrued.
Two model studies document the probability of climate tipping in Earth subsystems, supporting the urgency of restricting CO2 emissions. The findings suggest that abrupt climate changes might be less predictable and more widespread than anticipated, with potential consequences for Western Europe's climate.
Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a new approach to reduce energy consumption in CO2 electrolysis by using magnetism. The study demonstrates an energy savings range of 7-64% and replaces traditional iridium catalysts with more abundant nickel-iron alternatives.
Researchers found that geologic formations in northern Delaware Basin, with previous hydrocarbon production, have lower pore pressures and no earthquakes. In contrast, southern basin has higher initial pressures and earthquakes. Targeting these sites for carbon sequestration could limit earthquake risk.
A large-scale study found that vegetation is becoming increasingly water-limited as global temperatures increase, reducing its ability to absorb atmospheric CO2. This could lead to increased greenhouse gases and a weakening of the land's carbon sink strength.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that balancing carbon dioxide emissions with removals could lead to different climate outcomes. Researchers found that a larger amount of CO2 removal is required to compensate for a given amount of CO2 emissions to maintain unchanged atmospheric CO2 concentration.
Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have created a photocatalyst that efficiently uses visible light from the sun to decompose CO2. The breakthrough uses single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve electron transfer pathways and synthesis processes, enabling large-scale manufacturing.
A new study suggests that rising CO2 levels and warming temperatures will lead to stronger monsoon seasons in the Indian subcontinent. The research, published in Science Advances, analyzed sediment core samples from the Bay of Bengal and found a correlation between CO2 levels and intense monsoon rainfall over the past 900,000 years.
Researchers investigate storage of CO2-N2-O2 mixtures in geological formations, suggesting environmentally safe and economically viable approach to remove carbon from atmosphere. Direct air capture technology enables carbon capture anywhere, reducing transportation costs and improving social acceptance.
Historical carbon emissions from cultivated northern peatlands are estimated to be around 72 billion tons over 850-2010. The study reveals that only about half of the emitted carbon was compensated by natural peatland carbon absorption.
New research suggests that high CO2 levels in the atmosphere may have warmed the young Earth's climate, accounting for apparent anomalies such as hot seawater temperatures above 70°C. The study proposes a plausible explanation for these phenomena, indicating temperatures closer to 40°C when considering ocean composition changes.
Researchers estimate that restoring all global agricultural peatlands could cut 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to one per cent of global GHG emissions. Raising peatland water levels could allow farmers to reduce climate impact while extending soil usage.
The SeaCURE method utilizes natural processes and renewable energy to remove CO2 from seawater, allowing the ocean to absorb more CO2. The process involves making seawater temporarily acidic to 'bubble out' CO2, then delivering a concentrated stream for utilisation and storage.
A new paper suggests that current carbon budgets fail to account for permafrost thawing and Arctic feedback loops, exacerbating warming and potentially triggering an exponential increase in emissions. Global leaders are urged to incorporate the latest science into climate models and update risk assessments to meet climate goals.
A study highlights the significant impact of permafrost thaw on carbon emissions and climate goals. The authors warn that permafrost thaw is expected to increase as temperatures rise, potentially exacerbating global warming beyond the 2°C limit.
Only a few hundred climate scenarios avoid significantly overshooting the 1.5°C limit, according to a new study. All realistic scenarios require significant emission reductions and rely on multiple mitigation levers, including carbon removal and land use changes. The window for meeting the target is rapidly closing.
Scientists from Okayama University have discovered a high-performance CO2 adsorption material in zeolites at room temperature. The discovery, reported in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, opens up new possibilities for efficient air purification, including applications in space shuttles and concert halls.
Scientists at Salk Institute successfully transformed tobacco and corn husks into silicon carbide (SiC) while sequestering up to 50,000-fold more carbon from seed to lab-grown plant. The process retains about 14 percent of the plant-captured carbon, offering a potential solution for climate change mitigation.
A new study found that Amazonian depopulation and forest regrowth began centuries before European arrival, rejecting the hypothesis of widespread reforestation contributing to reduced atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Forest pollen records suggest land abandonment and regrowth started 300-600 years prior to European contact.
New research reveals that northern forests' ability to absorb atmospheric carbon is being hindered by increasing frequency and intensity of forest fires. The study found that these fires are releasing more carbon into the atmosphere, while also altering the composition of tree species, with conifers being replaced by hardwoods.
Researchers found that Arctic permafrost thawing events occurred more frequently in the past than predicted, with minimal impact on atmospheric CO2 levels. The study suggests that gradual thawing events may have been absorbed by oceans or plants, contradicting typical global warming predictions.
A new pilot-scale project aims to produce biomethane from renewable electricity and CO2 in a cost-effective system. The InjectMe project, funded by the Danish Energy Agency, will test a biological methanation system that converts electricity and biogas into natural-gas-quality biomethane.
Researchers discovered that deep-sea bacteria dissolve carbon-containing rocks, releasing excess carbon into the ocean and atmosphere. This process allows scientists to better estimate Earth's carbon budget, a key driver of global warming.
A study in Taiwan found that mountain growth influences the greenhouse effect, with high erosion rates releasing more CO2 than sequestering it. Low erosion rates, on the other hand, lead to greater CO2 sequestration due to weathering processes that bind carbon dioxide.
Astronomers have identified six chemicals in the atmosphere of HD 209458b, a planet that formed far from its star before migrating to its current location. The discovery provides insights into planetary formation and could be used to detect signs of potentially habitable planets.
A study by University of Washington researchers suggests that thicker-leaved tropical plants could flourish in a CO2-rich environment, outcompeting species with thinner leaves. This shift in vegetation could help preserve carbon-absorbing ecosystems and reduce the severity of climate change.
New research found that elevated CO2 levels drive increased plant growth, but take a toll on soil's ability to absorb carbon. Soils only accumulated more carbon in experiments where plant growth remained steady.
A new study by researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that the biospheric carbon turnover within river basins is vulnerable to future temperature and precipitation perturbations from a changing climate. This suggests that soil organic carbon sensitivity to climate change may be more widespread than previously assumed.
Scientists at Tomsk Polytechnic University have discovered a way to synthesize cyclic carbonates from atmospheric CO2 using sunlight and gold nanoparticles. This method is more efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, which require high temperatures and pressure.
Researchers found that climate change and human disturbances like fire can slow down forest regrowth in the Amazon. The study suggests that protecting these forests is crucial to mitigate climate change.
A new study published in Global Biogeochemical Cycles provides estimates of the elusive component of the global carbon cycle. The researchers used two stable carbon isotopes to track carbon through different components of the cycle, finding much higher numbers for land-to-ocean carbon transfer
Higher temperatures can reduce photosynthesis efficiency and hinder plants' ability to regulate CO2 uptake and water loss. Plants with structural features that make them more or less susceptible to heat stress also influence how temperature affects crop yields.
The first herbivorous dinosaurs in East Greenland arrived 214 million years ago, coinciding with a drastic drop in atmospheric CO2 levels. This climate shift made it difficult for them to disperse from their original habitat, resulting in a 15-million-year journey.
Sea butterflies are already experiencing difficulties building their shells due to ocean acidification, which will worsen in the future. They shift from growing thicker and larger shells to investing more in becoming larger, posing a major problem for local sea life that depend on them for food.
Scientists at KAUST create an efficient catalyst that converts CO2 and hydrogen into methane using photothermal energy, reducing the need for external heat sources. The reaction achieves nearly 100% selectivity and impressive efficiency, offering a sustainable way to convert harmful greenhouse gases into valuable fuel.
Using drones equipped with magnetometers, researchers can detect magnetic anomalies and pinpoint the location of unplugged oil wells. By locating these wells, the equivalent of nearly 750,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide could be removed from the atmosphere.
Researchers found a microalgal sugar that is resistant to microbial degradation, forming particles that sink to the ocean floor and store carbon. This discovery challenges the assumption that sugars are rapidly degraded by bacteria, making them an important carbon sink.
A study found dinosaurs' dispersal coincides with a significant drop in atmospheric CO2 levels around 214 million years ago. This suggests prior climatic barriers prevented their expansion into the Northern Hemisphere for 15 million years.