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Researchers achieve real-time detection of low gas concentrations

Scientists have created a new method for quickly detecting and identifying very low concentrations of gases, offering promise for real-time monitoring in environmental, health, and industrial applications. The approach uses a coherent control strategy to enhance the sensitivity of quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 9, 2025

West Antarctic ice sheet may disappear by 2300

A Dartmouth-led study projects that Antarctica's glaciers will rapidly retreat and potentially collapse by 2200, increasing global sea levels by up to 5.5 feet by 2300. The researchers used 16 ice-sheet models to refine the projection of ice loss over the next 300 years.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEarth's Future·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 12, 2024

Greenhouse gas HFC-23: Abatement of emissions is achievable

A team of researchers from Empa and the University of Bristol used a novel tracer gas method to accurately measure HFC-23 emissions from a Teflon factory. The study found that abatement measures were effective in reducing emissions, but discrepancies between reported and actual emissions suggest need for independent verification.

Study finds highest prediction of sea-level rise unlikely

A new study led by Dartmouth researchers questions the rapid polar ice collapse model used in the IPCC's sixth assessment report. The team found that the expected rate of retreat is significantly lower than predicted, making the worst-case scenario less likely, but still dire due to ongoing ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024

UCF researcher develops lotus-inspired tech to convert CO2 to fuels, chemicals

A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a nature-inspired filtration and conversion system that extracts carbon dioxide gas from the atmosphere to create fuels and chemicals. The device mimics the lotus surface, capturing carbon dioxide with a microsurface comprised of a tin oxide film and fluorine layer.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 20, 2024

U.S. drought-monitoring system outpaced by climate changes

A new study finds that the US Drought Monitor is not keeping pace with climate change, leading to frequent severe droughts being classified as rare. The consequences are dire, with some regions spending more time in extreme drought conditions than federal guidelines allow, potentially leaving them without adequate aid.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAGU Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 20, 2024

Hurricanes jeopardize carbon-storing New England forests

A new study reveals that a single hurricane can wipe out 5-10% of New England's total aboveground forest carbon through tree damage. The research team analyzed the impact of 10 powerful hurricanes on the region's forests and found that future storms could pose a significant risk to carbon offset programs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 24, 2024

Switch to green wastewater infrastructure could reduce emissions and provide huge savings according to new research

A new study from Colorado State University suggests that transitioning to green wastewater-treatment approaches, financed through carbon markets, could save $15.6 billion and reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by 30 million tonnes over 40 years. The research explores the potential economic tradeoffs of switching to green infrastructure an...

SourceColorado State University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateApr 15, 2024

Reducing CO2 emissions by 20% with only a 2% economic loss

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub demonstrates how climate policies can be implemented with minimal economic damage. The researchers used a data set from Hungary to examine what would happen if certain companies were forced to cease production in various scenarios aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 15, 2024

Young researcher makes surprising methane discovery in Yukon glaciers: "Much more widespread than we thought"

A young researcher from the University of Copenhagen has made a surprising discovery of high concentrations of methane in meltwater from three Canadian mountain glaciers. The findings challenge previous assumptions that methane in meltwater could only be found in oxygen-free environments under large ice masses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalArctic Antarctic and Alpine Research·DateFeb 29, 2024

Tidal landscapes a greater carbon sink than previously thought

Tidal landscapes like mangroves and salt marshes are a greater carbon sink than previously thought, with stored carbon in biomass and muddy soils contributing to climate change mitigation. The new findings also show that bicarbonate exports from these ecosystems double the size of the carbon trap, making them even more effective.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2024

Exoplanets’climate – it takes nothing to switch from habitable to hell

Scientists simulated the runaway greenhouse effect, transforming habitable climates into hostile environments, with significant changes in atmospheric structure and cloud coverage. The study provides key insights for the search of life elsewhere, as it demonstrates a critical water vapor threshold beyond which a planet cannot cool down.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·TypeNews article·DateDec 18, 2023

New cooling ceramic can enhance energy efficiency for the construction sector and help combat global warming—City University of Hong Kong research

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a passive radiative cooling material that achieves high-performance optical properties. The cooling ceramic reduces thermal load, provides stable cooling performance, and can be used in various building applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

Study connects greenhouse gas emissions to polar bear population declines, enabling greater protections under Endangered Species Act

A new study from the University of Washington and Polar Bears International reveals a direct link between cumulative greenhouse gas emissions and polar bear demographic changes. The study shows that reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help protect polar bears, with implications beyond just this species.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 31, 2023

Warming climate will affect streamflow in the northeast

A new Dartmouth study examines how changes in precipitation and temperature due to global warming affect streamflow and flooding in the Northeast. The research finds that a warmer climate will lead to increased streamflow and higher flood risk, particularly if soils become wetter and more prone to heavy rainfall events.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 17, 2023

Ammonia: Efficient hydrogen carrier and green steel enabler

Researchers at Max Planck Institute developed an ammonia-based direct reduction process to produce sustainable iron and steel, overcoming logistics and energetic disadvantages of hydrogen. The process yields the same metallization degree as hydrogen-based reduction while forming nitrides that protect the sponge iron from corrosion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2023

In the near future, unprecedented drought conditions are projected to be more frequent and consecutive in certain regions

A new study projects that unprecedented drought conditions will become more frequent and consecutive in certain regions due to global warming. The research analyzed changes in drought day frequency for 59 global subcontinental regions until the end of the 21st century.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 28, 2022

New study: Swift methane action could help save Arctic summer sea ice, forestall global warming impacts

A new study finds that immediate action to reduce methane emissions could preserve Arctic summer sea ice through 2100, with drastic cuts in CO2 also necessary. The chances of saving summer sea ice increase from nearly zero without action to over 80% if net zero CO2 emissions are reached by 2050.

SourceEnvironmental Defense Fund·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 15, 2022

Walking the walk not up to speed with the talk

A Kyoto University study reveals that four major oil corporations make unsubstantial commitments to cleaner energy. Despite increased public relations efforts, these companies persistently rely on fossil fuels and show no strong evidence of a shift towards non-fossil fuel energy.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 22, 2022