Climate Change Mitigation
Articles tagged with Climate Change Mitigation
Bigger and wetter storms mean drier conditions over time
Combined short-term effects of air pollutants linked to 146,500 premature deaths per year in Europe
Support local people to protect world’s nature, new report urges, as deadline for global conservation target looms
A new report by University of Cambridge researchers highlights the human context of conservation efforts, finding that protecting 30% of the world's land and seas by 2030 will impact nearly half of the global population. The team suggests substantial investment and local involvement are crucial for successful implementation.
Greening works, but cities must plan it smarter
A recent study analyzed 138 Indian cities using satellite data and explainable AI methods to show why urban greening needs to be tailored to humidity, canopy structure, and airflow. The findings highlight the importance of considering moisture management and ventilation in urban planning to effectively mitigate heat-related stress.
Engineered biochar could offer a greener path to carbon dioxide capture
How trees in urban areas are key to cooling down a warmer world
A study by Ohio State University found that certain tree species, such as red maple and northern catalpa, are more resilient to heat and water stress. Urban forests can provide natural cooling, reducing summer electricity usage, but require careful management and investment in irrigation systems.
Renewable energy is more cost effective than direct air capture at reducing carbon, new study finds
A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.
Tulane researchers say Louisiana could lead global climate adaptation efforts
Researchers argue that Louisiana's climate-driven land loss and population shifts could position the state as a global leader in planning for climate adaptation. The study combines coastal geology with archaeology, demography, and public policy to outline a long-term vision for the region.
Carbon credits have enabled vital protection of tropical forests, despite being oversold tenfold
A major analysis found that four in five REDD+ projects successfully protected forests. Many projects have slowed deforestation despite over-crediting; 'bad credits' do not necessarily mean bad projects.
Study: Faced with a hotter future, America needs better data and response plans
A new study from the University of Kansas examines extreme heat events in the US, finding a lack of consistent national framework for responding to heat events. Effective responses require reliable data and clear understanding of responsibility across different levels of government.
Third of land animal habitats could face multiple extreme climate events by 2085, study warns
A new international study projects that up to 36% of land animal habitats could be exposed to multiple extreme climate events like heat waves, wildfires, and droughts by 2085. Experts warn that limiting fossil fuel emissions is crucial to mitigate biodiversity loss and protect species-rich regions.
Blockchain study highlights sharp energy savings shift
A new study by the University of East London found that newer blockchain systems significantly reduce energy consumption, from 100-150 TWh per year for Bitcoin to negligible amounts. This shift has already led to reductions in network energy use and enables wider adoption at scale.
Scientists call for integrating three energy demand goals into climate policy by 2035
A new study calls for tripling energy efficiency, electrification and action against extreme energy consumption by 2035. This would accelerate the spread of efficient technologies and generate revenue to expand energy access and support low-carbon investment.
New study suggests climate finance from developed countries may help reduce resource-related conflict risk in developing countries
A new empirical study found a direct link between climate finance and lower conflict risk in developing countries. Climate finance that alleviates water stress and boosts renewable energy projects contributes to peace and stability, with greater impact at higher levels of funding.
GREEN TALENT project organizes four DemoHub workshops for capacity-building across Europe
The GREEN TALENT project organized four DemoHub workshops in Malta, Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria to foster collaboration, innovation, and hands-on learning. The workshops focused on addressing climate and biodiversity challenges, engaging island communities, policymakers, and experts.
Biochar and smart water management offer a new pathway to cut peatland emissions
A new study shows that combining biochar application with moderate water table management can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural peat soils. Biochar consistently lowers carbon dioxide emissions and suppresses methane production, making it a promising strategy for climate mitigation.
NUS CDE researchers develop biowaste coatings to boost CO2-to-fuel conversion
Researchers at NUS CDE have developed biowaste coatings that improve the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful fuels and chemicals, achieving high selectivity rates and reducing reliance on PFAS. The coatings, made from crustacean shells, insect exoskeletons, and plant matter, offer a cost-effective pathway to climate technology.
The 2040 milestones that Europe must meet to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050
The EU must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 86% by 2040 to achieve 2050 climate neutrality through increased renewable energy and electrification. The study suggests a significant role for carbon capture and storage, with capacity needs rising by 26% annually from 2030 to 2040.
Simple menu tweak boosts vegetarian choices and cuts carbon, study finds
Researchers tested swapping one meat-based lunch option for a vegetarian dish in six English worksite cafeterias, resulting in a 41% increase in choosing a veggie main. The intervention led to healthier and more sustainable meals with lower environmental impact.
AMS science preview: AI forecast limits, unpredictable hurricanes, simplified heat index
New research from the American Meteorological Society explores AI forecasting limits, the impact of climate change on hurricane trends, and simplifies the heat index. The studies find that machine learning can outperform numerical physics-based models in certain conditions, but not universally.
The machine learning method advising on tree planting for water sustainability
A machine learning technique identifies optimal spots for tree planting to inform climate mitigation strategies. Optimised afforestation can reduce river peaks by up to 43% while preserving groundwater by up to 60%. The study's findings highlight the importance of data-driven technologies in supporting large-scale, smarter planning.
Concordia research simplifies method for estimating climate impact of reflective surfaces
A new study by Hashem Akbari offers a simplified way to calculate the climate impact of reflective surfaces, allowing policy practitioners to view problems on a regional basis. Increasing albedo by 0.01 can offset about 1.8 to 2 kilograms of CO₂ per square metre globally, with some regions reaching up to 5 kilograms.
Envisioning just futures
A new IIASA-led study offers a practical approach to evaluate the distributional implications of climate action, enabling policymakers to assess justice impacts of emissions pathways. The study found that many existing mitigation scenarios are consistent with justice principles, while few explore limits on energy or meat consumption.
Street green space can help cool cities, but it will not be enough on its own
A new study reveals that street greenery can reduce heat stress in cities, but its benefits depend on local conditions. The cooling effect is stronger in tropical and continental climates, but weaker in dry and temperate climates.
From decades-long studies of humble grasses, new clues to climate resistance
Researchers analyzed nearly four decades of data from three North American grasslands to find that coping with climate threats isn't just a numbers game. Multiple dimensions of biodiversity can help ecosystems thrive in harsh conditions, the study reveals.
Registrations open for São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Regulatory Governance explores emerging regulatory frontiers in Latin America. The program features speakers from leading international institutions and offers a range of activities, including flash talks, poster presentations, and paper development workshops.
Five-year field study reveals smarter biochar strategy to cut methane from rice paddies
A five-year field study shows that small, repeated additions of biochar combined with water-saving irrigation can significantly reduce methane emissions from rice paddies over time while maintaining strong crop yields. Continuous application maintained and strengthened methane reduction, producing net negative emissions in some cases.
Does fighting climate change put the economy at risk?
Researchers find that investing in climate adaptation can coexist with fiscal stability, but institutional quality and interest costs play crucial roles. The study analyzed data from 172 countries between 1995 and 2020 and found no structural conflict between the two goals.
Cow manure digesters really cut methane — unless they leak
A new study finds that dairy manure digesters are highly effective in reducing methane emissions from cow manure, with most systems performing well. However, occasional leaks of large magnitude offset the climate benefits, highlighting the need for thorough monitoring and verification.
Biochar offers climate-smart path to restore dryland soils and fight desertification
A new review highlights biochar's potential to reverse land degradation, improve soil health, and support sustainable agriculture in arid regions. Biochar can increase crop yields, reduce erosion risks, and enhance soil resilience, while also contributing to global carbon sequestration efforts.
Justice in achieving climate goals: Researchers at the University of Graz highlight the need for fair country shares in carbon dioxide removal
A new study highlights the importance of fair distribution of carbon dioxide removal rights among countries to halt global warming. The researchers found that unequal allocation can entrench inequality, shifting the climate burden onto future generations.
Extreme global climate outcomes are possible even at 2°C of warming
A new study by UFZ researchers warns that extreme global climate outcomes are possible even at moderate levels of global warming, such as 2°C. Sector-specific drivers like precipitation extremes and droughts can lead to severe impacts in vulnerable regions. The study highlights the need for ambitious climate mitigation measures to limi...
Vertical gardens prove effective in improving indoor air quality
Researchers at the University of Seville found that vertical gardens can remove up to 96-98% of pollutants from indoor air after 24 hours. This study highlights the potential of active living walls in improving indoor air quality, reducing sick building syndrome and its impact on worker productivity and student learning.
A ‘shocking’ carbon discovery in Sweden’s forests
A new study reveals that old-growth forests in Sweden store 72% more carbon per acre than managed forests, with a significant gap due to soil losses. Restoring primary forests could keep nearly 8 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
Changing flight paths could slash aviation’s climate impact, study suggests
Researchers suggest changing flight paths to avoid contrails could slash aviation's global warming impact by nearly half. Implementing such a policy could recover around 9% of the temperature budget the world has left before breaching the Paris Agreement's 2°C limit.
Reduced air pollution from climate mitigation could boost crop yields and lower hunger risk
Climate mitigation policies may increase hunger risk due to land use competition, but ozone reduction benefits partially offset these effects. Ozone-driven yield gains reduce food prices and increase food availability, particularly in regions with severe hunger.
New research outlines pathway to achieve high well-being and a safe climate without economic growth
A study by the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona establishes the principles for modelling post-growth scenarios, pointing to the need for targeted demand-side measures and investments in low-carbon technologies. The research highlights the potential for post-growth to achieve pos...
Wetlands in Brazil’s Cerrado are carbon-storage powerhouses
Cerrado wetlands in Brazil's savannas are carbon storage powerhouses, storing an estimated 20% of Amazon's carbon. The peaty soils of these wetlands store about 1,200 metric tons of carbon per hectare, equivalent to six times the average carbon density of Amazon rainforest soils.
Exposure to life-limiting heat has soared around the planet
A new study finds that the amount of time per year that extreme heat makes it unsafe to go about daily life has doubled since the 1950s, with younger adults facing 2x more hours of heat-related limitations, while older adults face 50% more
Study reveals how Ethiopia’s hyenas combat climate change, save money and prevent disease
In Ethiopia's city of Mekelle, spotted hyenas consume organic waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preventing disease. By doing so, they save the city over $100,000 in waste management costs, highlighting the vital ecosystem service they provide.
Climate projections warn 20% of Colombia’s cocoa-growing areas could be lost by 2050, but adaptation options remain
Climate projections warn that nearly 20% of Colombia's cocoa-growing areas could lose suitable climate conditions by 2050, particularly in the Caribbean region. However, adaptation options such as wild cocoa, agroforestry systems, and conservation of native forests may help mitigate these impacts.
Forest damage could double: How fires, storms, and bark beetles will shape the future of Europe’s forests
A study predicts that forest damage in Europe will more than double by 2100 due to increased wildfires, storms, and bark beetle activity. The team used AI-based simulation models to estimate the impact of global warming on forest ecosystems.
GRACE: A new Horizon Europe project empowering Europe’s remote rural communities to become drivers of transformative climate action
The GRACE project co-develops, tests, and scales climate adaptation solutions with local communities in 10 European regions. It addresses diverse climate challenges through community-led adaptation, digital tools, and capacity-building, ensuring locally relevant and transferable solutions.
Sustainability research overlooks key actors and actions in the face of the environmental crisis
A new study reveals major blind spots in global sustainable research, overlooking key strategies and sectors needed to address the environmental crisis. The study finds that sustainability researchers are neglecting potentially powerful actors, including civil society, and failing to assign clear responsibilities across sectors.
FAU Harbor Branch awarded $900,000 for Gulf of America sea-level research
The FAU project will integrate high-resolution modeling, observational data, and advanced machine learning to improve understanding of regional sea-level variability in the Gulf of America. The team aims to produce decision-relevant scenario outputs and empower stakeholders with actionable information for future-oriented decisions.
Many nations underestimate greenhouse emissions from wastewater systems, but the lapse is fixable
Research from Princeton University reveals that nations globally underreport greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater facilities by up to 27%. Accurate estimates are crucial for sound public reporting and practical decision-making in the wastewater sector. The study finds that wastewater systems offer strong options for emissions reduc...
Access to safe water fails in the face of extreme heat, even in wealthy cities
A recent study highlights the link between water security and adaptability of homes in urban centers of the Global North to extreme heat. Household water security is not universal, even in the wealthiest cities, forcing vulnerable households to limit their water consumption, compromising their ability to adapt to extreme heat.
Unique analysis shows air-con heat relief significantly worsens climate change
A new study reveals that air-conditioning use will more than double by 2050, causing up to 8.5 GtCO₂‑eq per year in the worst-case scenario. This is equivalent to around 74–183 billion transatlantic return flights and adds 0.03°C to 0.07°C of global warming.
Methane’s missing emissions: The underestimated impact of small sources
Researchers used continuous and integrated readings of methane and ethane to identify overlooked emissions from restaurants, commercial facilities, and private residences. The study highlights the need for technology and policy to fix these hidden sources, which are estimated to be higher on weekdays.
Rewetting peatlands could unlock more effective carbon removal using biochar
A new study suggests that applying biochar to rewetted peatlands can improve long-term carbon storage while reducing the need for highly stable biochars. Rewetting peatlands slows decomposition and helps prevent carbon loss, allowing more of biochar's carbon to remain stored over time.
New evidence shows indoor plants can quietly reshape the health and quality of our homes and workplaces
A new study published in Building and Environment shows that larger indoor greening systems can make spaces feel up to two degrees cooler and more comfortable. The analysis also highlights the importance of using the right systems, lighting, and maintenance to unlock the full potential of indoor greening.
Study creates most precise map yet of agricultural emissions, charts path to reduce hotspots
A study created a high-resolution map of global cropland emissions, identifying regions for precise mitigation. The data shows that four crops – rice, maize, oil palm, and wheat – account for nearly three-quarters of cropland emissions, with rice leading at 43%.
AMS releases statement regarding the decision to rescind EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding
The American Meteorological Society (AMS) expresses deep concern over the repeal of the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, which concluded that greenhouse gas emissions harm human health and well-being. AMS reaffirms key scientific conclusions on climate change, including its impacts on people and nature.
Climate policy support is linked to emotions - study
A study by Anglia Ruskin University found that feeling fearful is associated with greater support for climate policies, while feelings of dread lead to lower support. The researchers suggest that evoking manageable levels of fear can motivate people to engage and support solutions.
Climate policy must consider cross-border pollution “exchanges” to address inequality and achieve health benefits, research finds
A new study by Cardiff University reveals how ambitious climate action can save up to 1.32 million lives per year by 2040 by addressing global air quality inequalities. The research highlights the importance of cross-border pollution exchanges in achieving health benefits and reducing inequality between countries.
Rebuilding trust in global climate mitigation scenarios
A new IIASA-led study examines critiques of global climate mitigation scenarios' equity and justice, proposing practical ways to advance fairness in climate pathways. The research synthesizes growing evidence that current scenarios fall short, identifying a roadmap for integrating fairness into future climate futures.
Climate benefits of tree planting could be reduced by soil carbon loss, Stirling professor warns
A University of Stirling professor has warned that tree-planting may not be as effective at reducing climate change as previously assumed due to potential soil carbon losses. The study found that deep soils in forests may lose more carbon over time than expected, which could reduce the net climate benefits of tree planting.
How to “green” operating rooms: new guideline advises reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink
A new guideline published in CMAJ advises hospitals to implement 21 recommendations to increase environmental sustainability in operating rooms. The guidelines include reducing energy use, using reusable devices, developing recycling programs, and rethinking disposal of unused supplies.
Promise the Earth: Why real climate action means restraint
The new book, Promise the Earth: A safe planet in good faith, calls for a rethink on how we live, hope, lead, and take responsibility to solve the climate crisis. Authors Professor Julian Allwood and Professor Andrew Davison argue that individual action, especially from comfortable lives, is crucial now.