Articles tagged with Climate Change Mitigation
Physicists have identified two new superconductors, YRu3B2 and LuRu3B2, using machine-learning to filter material combinations. This breakthrough aims to find a room-temperature superconductor, which could slash global energy consumption and reduce the heat footprint of ICT sector.
Declining plankton abundance across the North East Atlantic poses a significant threat to ocean health, impacting marine food webs and carbon cycling. The study found six pelagic habitat-region combinations rated as 'Not Good' and three as 'Uncertain', highlighting the need for climate change mitigation and reduced nutrient pollution.
A new study reveals rooftop solar panels can offset nearly half of increased electricity demand during peak cooling periods. Climate change alone is projected to push up residential cooling demand by 5%, but rooftop solar growth could halve this additional load, easing pressure on the grid.
The UN has launched an initiative calling on AI companies to publicly disclose their environmental impacts, including carbon, water and land footprint. The move comes after a report highlighted the massive electricity demand and environmental impacts of AI systems.
A study predicts climate change will trap air pollutants over coastal areas, increasing health risks for millions in Barcelona. Ozone concentrations are projected to rise substantially along the coastline by 2100.
A controversial cooling strategy to shield Earth from sun's rays could offer unequal protection for oceans and communities, leaving 25-75% of seas at risk from overheating. Researchers used computer simulations to forecast marine heat waves under future scenarios with and without solar geoengineering.
A study published in Lancet Planetary Health found that most national climate adaptation plans fail to fully integrate health needs or engage populations at risk from climate change. Key gaps include inadequate monitoring and evaluation, insufficient budgeting, and lack of engagement with vulnerable groups.
Researchers found that phytoplankton in the eastern equatorial Pacific were fertilized by iron from the seafloor during ice-age transitions. This suggests a possible feedback loop connecting sea level, seafloor volcanism, and ocean biology, with potential implications for climate change.
A major new analysis of over 3000 scientific papers on climate change mitigation found that policy recommendations are often non-existent, disconnected from the study's findings, or 'wish lists'. The researchers created a tool to assess the quality of policy recommendations and identified key challenges, including unclear uncertainty a...
Mangrove forests worldwide are no longer in net decline and are now growing overall, driven by natural regeneration and expansion. The research highlights a more hopeful trajectory for these ecosystems, which play a critical role in protecting coastlines and storing climate-warming carbon.
The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report reveals that current pledges fall short of pathways limiting warming to 1.5°C by more than 5 billion tonnes of CO2 per year by 2050. CDR must grow at rates comparable to or faster than the most rapid clean energy transitions, including solar power.
A new five-year field study suggests that pairing annual biochar amendment with water-saving irrigation can reduce methane emissions from paddy fields. Continuous biochar use maintained and strengthened methane mitigation over time, while a one-time application's effect weakened.
Thawing permafrost is causing Arctic rivers to turn toxic with orange iron particles, suffocating insects and smothering fish. The process also involves acid rock drainage, where pyrite breaks down into sulfuric acid and sulfate, creating rust-like particles.
Experts from medicine, psychology, and geography will discuss the links between climate change and mental health, highlighting specific perspectives from South Africa and Germany. The webinar aims to integrate mental health into climate and health strategies.
A new study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research finds that reducing car commutes can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. By targeting densification of neighborhoods around city centers, planners can reduce emissions and create more sustainable urban environments.
A new study suggests that temporary carbon storage can play a significant role in climate mitigation, particularly in sectors with persistent methane emissions. The researchers found that neutralizing the climate impact of 1 kilogram of methane requires removing roughly 498 kilograms of CO₂ stored for 20 years.
A new study projects that climate change will significantly increase the risk of heat-related cardiovascular disease in the US by 2050. The Pacific Northwest and Southern/Midwestern states are expected to experience the highest and steepest increases, respectively. Targeted interventions for vulnerable communities are crucial to mitiga...
A research team found that tropical forest plants increase root carbon exudation to stimulate phosphatase activity, mineralize organic P, and release organic acids to dissolve mineral-bound P. This adaptation helps alleviate P limitation under long-term N enrichment, sustaining productivity.
New research from the University of Sydney reveals that moderate temperature rises increase koala hospital admission and mortality risk. Koalas in inland north-west NSW are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, with populations on the brink of extinction.
A new framework maps Europe's climate-smart rewilding potential, highlighting regional strengths in Eastern and Southern Europe. The approach balances ecosystem restoration with climate mitigation and adaptation, offering opportunities for diverse regions to contribute.
A research team found that tropical forest plants increase root carbon exudation to stimulate phosphatase activity and release organic acids to dissolve mineral-bound P. The organic acid pathway drove twice as much P release as the phosphatase pathway.
A new study finds that investing in cleaner alternatives for the steel sector before 2030 can prevent 73 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions by 2070. This would be more cost-efficient than reducing emissions through other sectors or carbon removals.
Research reveals US forests face significant risk of carbon loss due to wildfires, droughts, and insects. Current carbon-credit systems fail to account for these risks, but the study provides a solution by proposing larger buffer pools to mitigate losses.
Researchers at Arizona State University measured air temperatures downwind and upwind of data centers in Phoenix, finding a significant impact on surrounding neighborhoods. Temperatures downwind averaged 1.3-1.6 degrees warmer than upwind, with detectable effects up to five city blocks away.
A full fossil fuel phase-out by mid-century relies on rapid direct electrification alongside large-scale deployment of hydrogen-based energy carriers. This would require an 80% increase in electricity generation compared to conventional 1.5°C pathways.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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 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.