Greenhouse Gases
Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
Scientists stunned: Volcano cleans up after itself by removing methane from the air
Researchers discovered that a volcano's eruption can clean up methane pollution by breaking it down into formaldehyde. The phenomenon could potentially be key to slowing global warming and has implications for reducing methane emissions.
How bacteria 'Chat' their way to carbon-neutral water treatment
New clinical trial shows vegan diet dramatically cuts food-related emissions—with major health benefits
A new randomized clinical trial shows that a low-fat vegan diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions by nearly three times more than a Mediterranean diet. The study also found significant improvements in key cardiometabolic outcomes, with the majority of environmental gains driven by eliminating meat, dairy, and eggs.
Plant-based diet cuts climate impact by more than half, randomized clinical trial shows
A new study published in Current Developments in Nutrition shows that adopting a low-fat vegan diet can rapidly reduce environmental impact while improving metabolic health. The 12-week randomized clinical trial found dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and cumulative energy demand.
Turning “wastewater” into a resource: New insights on liquid fertilizer from hydrothermal carbonization
Process water from hydrothermal carbonization contains substantial amounts of nutrients and organic compounds, making it a nutrient-rich resource for crop production and environmental management. Diluting the liquid or using pre-treatment methods can reduce risks associated with its use.
Turning vibrations into value - a new catalyst converts CO2 into useful CO
A new catalyst converts carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide under mild conditions, offering a potential path toward future low-energy carbon recycling technologies. The catalyst uses vibrational energy to drive chemical reactions, boasting high efficiency and selectivity for CO conversion.
Bottled lightning makes a cleaner fuel
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a single-step process to turn methane into methanol without high heat and pressures. The method harnesses tiny bursts of plasma to break the chemical bonds in methane, producing a cleaner-burning fuel for ships and industrial boilers.
Achieving GHG neutrality by 2060: China's unswerving decarbonization journey
A new study highlights China's need for comprehensive greenhouse gas neutrality by 2060, requiring substantial efforts beyond CO2 reduction. The transition demands expansion of carbon capture technologies, improved energy efficiency, and increased renewable energy adoption to achieve zero energy-related CO2 emissions by 2060.
Global forum highlights new strategies to balance soil health and carbon sequestration
The session discussed the complex relationship between organic carbon inputs and long-term carbon storage in soils. Emerging strategies were presented to optimize organic amendments and enhance both soil function and carbon retention.
New study shows linens, not equipment emissions, dominate ultrasound’s carbon footprint
A new JACR study suggests radiology departments should optimize use of linens and disposable supplies to reduce environmental impact and costs. The study found that linens (35%) and other single-use supplies (34%) accounted for most of ultrasound's greenhouse gas emissions.
Swapping meat and dairy for plant-based foods cuts climate pollution by 35%, randomized clinical trial shows
Replacing meat and dairy with plant-based foods reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 35%, equivalent to eliminating 600 miles of driving. A low-fat vegan diet with soybeans also produces major health improvements, including a 92% reduction in severe hot flashes.
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.
Pig farm ammonia pollution may indirectly accelerate climate warming, new study finds
A new study reveals that ammonia released from intensive livestock farms can stimulate soil microbial processes that generate nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. The research highlights an overlooked pathway linking livestock pollution to global warming.
SwRI upgrades facilities to expand subsurface safety valve testing to new application
Southwest Research Institute has upgraded its facilities to accommodate subsurface safety valve (SSSV) testing for carbon capture and storage (CCS) applications. The upgrades support existing high-quality testing services while enabling efficient testing at extreme temperatures.
Call for dentists to reduce unnecessary nitrous oxide use
A study by UCL researchers found large variations in nitrous oxide use across UK dental services, with some sites emitting up to 1,849 kg CO₂e per week. The team recommends reducing wastage, standardizing practice, and considering alternatives to minimize environmental impact.
Is it possible to cut CO2 emissions from European agriculture by 40 per cent?
A recent study from Norwegian University of Science and Technology suggests that optimizing production in fertile areas while allowing less productive areas to lie fallow can cut greenhouse gas emissions. By doing so, food production can be maintained while reducing pressure on biodiversity by up to 20%.
NASA selects UW-led STRIVE and EDGE teams for satellite missions
The University of Washington's STRIVE team will examine the atmosphere where weather forms, while the EDGE team will study the three-dimensional structure of the Earth's surface. These satellite missions aim to provide new insights into temperature, trace gases, and air pollution.
Keeping an eagle eye on carbon stored in the ocean
Researchers at Norway's NTNU are using advanced geophysical methods to improve the accuracy of carbon capture and storage site monitoring. A new laboratory equipped with a mock-up of an undersea storage site allows for real-time testing and validation of monitoring techniques. This breakthrough could reduce costs and improve the effici...
UK winters becoming wetter due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
A study by Newcastle University found that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter, with a 7% increase in rainfall per degree of global warming, driven by rising temperatures from anthropogenic warming. The experts warn that this trend will continue to worsen, increasing the risk of flooding and economic damages.
Strategic tree planting brings meaningful carbon reductions
A new study suggests that strategic tree planting in Canada's northern forests could remove at least five times the country's annual carbon emissions, totaling around 19 gigatons by 2100. This would be a significant step towards Canada's goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and meeting its commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement.
Methane eating microbes turn a powerful greenhouse gas into green plastics, feed, and fuel
Researchers have discovered a way to harness methane-eating microbes to produce valuable resources like animal feed, green plastics, and cleaner fuels. These microbes can also remove dissolved methane and nitrite from wastewater, offering a potential solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Jeonbuk National University researchers develop novel dual-chemical looping method for efficient ammonia synthesis
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new dual-chemical looping process that improves the efficiency of ammonia synthesis by 8.4% and reduces global warming potential by up to 15.85 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of ammonia produced.
Type 2 diabetes prevention could more than halve carbon footprint linked to disease complications
A modelling study suggests that preventing high blood glucose from turning into type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes could result in a 67% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes management could cut CO2 emissions by 21%, adding nearly 2 extra years of life.
The hidden warming challenge in climate action
A new study suggests that current climate actions may not effectively curb global warming acceleration, as aerosol reduction weakens cooling effect. Climate policy assessments need to consider additional climate effects from co-reduced aerosols and their risks.
What most corporate carbon reports get wrong, and how to fix them
A new Stanford-led analysis found that companies undercount emissions from their supply chains by billions of tons due to the use of single-region U.S. models. This can lead to missed opportunities to reduce emissions and associated costs by sourcing goods from countries with cleaner grids.
How changing your diet could help save the world
A recent UBC study found that half of the global population needs to change their diets to prevent severe planetary warming. The study suggests that individuals can make simple dietary changes, such as eating only what they need and reducing beef consumption, to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Green initiatives can increase emissions but still benefit the climate
A new Danish model reveals that green initiatives in farming can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions from one aspect of the system, while storing more carbon in the soil over time. The CIRKULÆR model shows that policymakers must consider the entire agricultural system to make informed decisions.
24,000 times more harmful to the climate than CO2: Goethe University measurements reveal SF6 gas emissions in Germany
Researchers found significant SF6 emissions in Heilbronn region, amounting to approximately 30 tons per year, and exceeding previous estimates. The study aims to validate bottom-up assessments of emissions by complementing top-down emission estimates.
COP webpages emit seven times more carbon than average sites
Websites for COP conferences emit significantly more carbon than average internet pages, with a 13,000% rise in emissions between 1995 and 2024. The team's findings highlight the need to reduce digital footprint through practices such as page size limits, optimized site layouts, and renewable energy hosting.
Extreme dry-hot in North America and Europe: the amplified role of warming-enhanced land-air coupling
The study reveals that North America and Europe will experience significant warming (3.7-3.8°C) and drought expansion by the end of the 21st century due to land-air coupling, which amplifies the impact of GHG emissions. If uncontrolled, this could lead to severe climate risks, including reduced Gross Primary Productivity.
The greenhouse gas trapped in the Black Sea
Researchers found that nitrogen oxide production is outpaced by consumption, resulting in little emissions from the Black Sea. The study identified microorganisms responsible for the turnover of this potent greenhouse gas, highlighting the importance of further research on nitrous oxide dynamics in marine environments.
UC Irvine scientists devise method for cities to measure greenhouse gas emissions
Researchers created a practical tool to assess urban fossil fuel carbon dioxide patterns by analyzing radiocarbon in turfgrasses. The method allows cities to gauge the effectiveness of their emission-curbing initiatives and track progress toward decarbonization goals.
International scientists issue State of the Climate Report, highlight mitigation strategies
A new report published in BioScience reveals Earth's climate crisis is accelerating at an alarming rate, with 22 of 34 planetary vital signs now at record levels. The study emphasizes that climate change mitigation strategies are available and urgently needed to limit warming.
Deep emission cuts before mid-century decisive to reduce long-term sea-level rise legacy
New research shows that near-term mitigation could spare future generations around 0.6 meters of sea-level rise caused by emissions between 2020 and 2090 following current policies. The study provides a direct link between today's policy choices and sea levels hundreds of years from now.
McGill research flags Montreal snow dump, inactive landfills as major methane polluters
McGill researchers have found that Montreal's methane emissions are unevenly distributed across the island, with the highest concentrations in the city's east end. The study identified over 3,000 hotspots and found that inactive landfills and natural gas leaks are major contributors to the pollution.
UK food needs radical transformation on scale not seen since Second World War, new report finds
The UK food system is under pressure due to climate change, global shocks, and poor diets. A new report calls for radical transformation in three key areas: more resilient farming, smarter land use, and healthier diets.
Biochar helps composting go greener by cutting greenhouse gas emissions
A global study found that biochar significantly reduces methane and nitrous oxide emissions in composting, while conserving nitrogen and stabilizing carbon. The optimal amount of biochar added is critical, with 10-20% achieving the strongest reductions.
Understanding the climate cost of cleaning our water
A study analyzing over 15,000 US treatment plants found that methane and nitrous oxide are the dominant greenhouse gases, exceeding current government estimates by 41%. The researchers identified opportunities for low-hanging-fruit reductions in emissions through fixing leaks and developing new technologies.
Inhaler-related greenhouse gas emissions in the US
A recent study highlights the growing concern of inhaler-related greenhouse gas emissions in the US, which have increased over the past decade. The study suggests that shifting utilization to dry powder and soft mist inhalers could be a key solution to reduce emissions.
UCLA Health study finds inhalers for asthma and COPD drive significant greenhouse gas emissions
A new UCLA Health study found that inhalers for asthma and COPD generate over 2 million metric tons of carbon emissions annually. Metered-dose inhalers account for 98% of emissions due to potent greenhouse gas propellants, while dry and soft powder mist inhalers are less harmful.
Viruses help cut farm greenhouse gas emissions by targeting soil microbes
Researchers found that soil viruses selectively infect denitrifying microbes, reducing nitrous oxide emissions by up to 20%. The study suggests viral regulation as a potential method for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. Viruses may play a critical role in supporting sustainable food production and protecting the planet.
Study reveals roadmap for carbon-free California by 2045
A Stanford University study reveals a roadmap for California to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, requiring significant advancements in renewable energy generation, energy storage, and low-carbon transportation. The model forecasts the need for 170 gigawatts of new generation and 54 gigawatts of storage by 2045.
Rising heat waves tied to fossil fuel and cement production
Research by ETH Zurich reveals human-induced climate change has increased extreme heat wave frequency and severity, with fossil fuel and cement production contributing significantly. The study highlights the responsibility of large carbon emitters, such as oil and gas companies, in exacerbating heat waves.
Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT launches project with Global Methane Hub to develop a decision support tool for grazing management to cut livestock emissions
The Time2Graze project is developing a decision support system to help farmers in Latin America make better grazing decisions, increase productivity and reduce methane emissions. The tool will assess pasture availability and provide real-time alerts to optimize grazing intensity.
AI and climate change: How to reliably record greenhouse gas emissions
A team of researchers has created a reliable method for accurately recording greenhouse gas emissions from corporate sustainability reports. The dataset, published in Scientific Data, provides a rigorous and transparent foundation for evaluating automated approaches to sustainability reporting.
Deforestation reduces rainfall by 74% and increases temperatures by 16% in the Amazon during the dry season, study says
Researchers found that deforestation is responsible for a significant reduction in rainfall and increase in temperature in the Amazon during the dry season. The study quantifies the impact of forest loss and global climate change on the biome, highlighting the importance of preserving standing forests to maintain climate resilience.
Scientists track lightning “pollution” in real time using NASA satellite
Researchers from the University of Maryland tracked lightning storms in real-time using NASA's TEMPO instrument, detecting nitrogen oxide emissions that affect climate and air quality. The study reveals how lightning can produce pollutants that travel long distances, influencing air quality far from the original storm.
Certain communities of pond plants may increase greenhouse gases
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that certain pond plant communities can increase greenhouse gas production, transport, and emissions. The composition of aquatic plant communities in shallow freshwater bodies can have significant effects on greenhouse gas concentrations and fluxes.
EVs reduce climate pollution, but by how much? New U-M research has the answer
A new study from the University of Michigan analyzed 35 different vehicle combinations and found that EVs have lower emissions over their lifetime than any other vehicle type in every county in the contiguous US. The lowest emission vehicle class was the compact sedan BEV with a range of 200 miles.
First observations by the Total Anthropogenic and Natural emissions mapping SpectrOmeter-3 (TANSO-3) onboard the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle “IBUKI GW” (GOSAT-GW)
The GOSAT-GW satellite has successfully launched with the TANSO-3 sensor, confirming its proper operation. The first observation by TANSO-3 provided spectral absorption data for carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen dioxide, enabling the calculation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.
A new window into Earth’s upper atmosphere
Researchers have developed a novel way to reach the unexplored mesosphere using lightweight flying structures that can float using sunlight. The devices, which were built at Harvard and other institutions, levitated in low-pressure conditions and demonstrated potential for climate sensing and exploration.
New £13m nuclear program to boost UK energy security through sustainable graphite innovation
A £13m UK university consortium is developing sustainable technologies for advanced modular reactors, aiming to secure the UK's position in nuclear innovation. The ENLIGHT programme will address key challenges, including sovereign supply of nuclear graphite and managing irradiated waste.
Earth’s natural CO2 vacuum cleaners
An international team of earth scientists proposes a new framework to understand the factors influencing CO2 removal, revealing their complex interactions and potential for enhanced weathering techniques. This integrated approach aims to enhance natural carbon storage, helping achieve Paris Agreement targets.
Bubbles in ponds: when clear waters warm the atmosphere
A study by the University of Liège found that clear water ponds in Brussels emit more methane through ebullitive emissions, which are facilitated by macrophytes. This process has significant implications for global climate dynamics, as methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.
Wastewater plants and the climate crisis: a call for smarter emission monitoring
Researchers found that conventional accounting introduces significant uncertainties in total emissions, with fossil CO2 underestimation reaching up to 22.8%. The study suggests practical strategies to make carbon accounting in wastewater more precise and globally relevant.
Sustainable management of refrigerants could be a powerful climate solution
A new study highlights an opportunity for China to take the lead in fluorocarbon lifecycle management, which could prevent up to 8 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2060. By implementing strategies like recovery, recycling, and reclamation, China can reduce more than half of residual refrigerant emissions.
Drexel engineers want to make buildings more energy efficient by making walls, floors and ceilings more like elephant ears
Drexel engineers create vascular network within cement-based building materials that can help passively regulate surface temperature, reducing energy loss in buildings. The approach is inspired by nature's circulatory system and uses phase-change material to maintain a desired indoor temperature.
Smarter tools for policymakers: Notre Dame researchers target urban carbon emissions, building by building
Researchers at Notre Dame's School of Architecture and the Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society developed EcoSphere, an AI-powered platform that visualizes embodied carbon emissions. The tool helps city planners identify strategies to reduce carbon emissions through renovation and extended building life.
Sediments exposed by glacier melt begin emitting greenhouse gases over time
A new study found that chemical reactions in newly uncovered glacial sediments initially suppress greenhouse gas emissions, but as soil matures, it produces more methane, contributing to warming. The research provides insights into the role of soil and water in the climate change cycle.