Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
ORNL is increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the US agricultural sector through science-based changes in practices. The lab has discovered a single gene that can make crops more drought-tolerant and productive, while also pulling CO2 from the atmosphere.
A new study using Argo system ocean temperature data refines climate modeling predictions by identifying models most consistent with observations. The analysis shows that land and air temperatures only tell part of the story, with oceans storing 90% of the planet's heat.
A team of researchers has successfully toilet-trained 11 out of 16 calves, reducing the risk of ammonia emissions and improving farm efficiency. The MooLoo training method involved rewarding successful latrine use and using gentle deterrents to encourage correct behavior.
Research suggests that climate-caused disruptions to the jet stream's position and intensity could lead to severe weather-related consequences. The study's findings imply that continued warming could cause significant deviations from the norm, rendering the jet stream drastically different within a matter of decades.
A new study suggests that computing and ICT could be responsible for a greater share of greenhouse gas emissions than previously thought, potentially surpassing the aviation industry. The researchers argue that historical evidence shows ICT's footprint has increased despite efficiency gains.
A new study introduces a wild-grass chromosome segment that inhibits nitrification, reducing fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions in wheat crops. The technology has the potential to increase yields and grain quality in both well-fertilized and nitrogen-poor soils.
Researchers predict huge petrol and emissions savings from implementing fuel economy standards in Malaysia. If adopted, the standards would save 16.2 billion litres of petrol and reduce CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by 37.6 million tons.
A new study simulates global warming at unprecedented resolution, revealing that increasing CO2 concentrations will weaken the intensity of the ENSO temperature cycle. This could lead to fewer El Niño and La Niña events, with potential implications for rainfall extremes.
A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that between 10.3% and 82% of the global ocean may experience new climates with higher temperatures and lower aragonite saturation by 2100. The disappearance of these climates could force marine species to adapt rapidly or disappear.
A global inventory reveals oil refineries emitted 1.3Gt CO2 in 2018, with potential emissions of 16.5Gt by 2030 if no mitigation strategies are adopted. Researchers recommend improving refinery efficiency and upgrading technologies to reduce emissions.
Researchers found that robots and vehicle automation account for a small percentage of greenhouse gas emissions, with delivery vehicle size and fuel source having larger impacts. A human-driven, battery-powered cargo van has the lowest per-package footprint among analyzed methods.
Researchers found that climate change will amplify the temporary cooling caused by large eruptions and reduce its effect on small- and medium-sized eruptions. The study used global climate models to simulate how volcanic aerosols might be affected by warming scenarios.
A new model developed by Stanford researchers provides a more accurate baseline for tracking methane emissions from oil and gas operations. The model, which uses bottom-up approach with component-level data, closely approximates top-down inventories and highlights specific activities that should be targeted for remediation or regulation.
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.
Hailin Li, a WVU engineer, will lead a project to develop a software platform that simulates heavy-duty diesel engines with advanced after-treatment systems. The goal is to improve engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions, which will help cut greenhouse gases and pollutants from the transportation sector.
A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.
Scientists propose integrated strategy combining climate action with policies for development, food access, equity, and environmental sustainability. The Sustainable Development Pathway aims to reconcile decent living with ecological boundaries.
A new study suggests that thawing permafrost in Siberia may release large amounts of methane gas from limestone formations, posing a significant threat to global warming. Elevated methane concentrations were detected in two areas with limestone bedrock, indicating that fracture systems in these formations became permeable upon warming.
A new study suggests that droughts in South America will increase by the end of the century due to rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. The study used 38 Global Climate Models to analyze temperature and precipitation changes across the continent.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates the median cost of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells at $76,000, with costs varying widely based on location, age, and other factors. The analysis of over 19,500 orphaned wells across the US provides valuable insights for regulators to adjust bonding requirements ...
A new study reveals that 25 megacities globally produce over half of the world's urban greenhouse gas emissions. Cities in developed countries like Europe, US, and Australia have significantly higher per capita emissions than those in developing areas. The majority of emissions come from stationary energy and transportation sectors.
A study from University of Michigan researchers found that electric delivery vehicle charging practices can greatly impact their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Optimizing charging strategies can lower emissions by up to 37% and protect investment. Charging from a cleaner energy source, such as renewables, is key.
A new study using EDGAR database shows that urbanisation has led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions in high-income countries. The majority of global emissions occur in urban areas, with some exceptions like NH3 emissions, which are mostly driven by agricultural activities.
A $10 million grant from The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research will support a six-year project to measure dairy farming's greenhouse gas footprint and develop strategies to reduce emissions. The study aims to make the US dairy industry carbon neutral while supporting farmer livelihoods.
Researchers developed county-level nitrogen application datasets for corn, improving the accuracy of greenhouse gas calculations. The new approach found excess nitrogen application in most US corn-producing counties, particularly in the Midwest and Northern Plains.
Simulations show domino effects at up to 2°C global warming, increasing risk of irreversible climate change. Rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions is indispensable to limit risks of crossing tipping points.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that mixed farming methods could eliminate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the US if established across high-quality cropland. The methods reduce synthetic fertilizer use and increase protein production while reducing beef consumption by 20%.
A new study reveals that global water reservoirs emit around 29% more greenhouse gases than previously thought, primarily due to methane degassing. Practical measures can be taken to reduce this impact, such as selectively withdrawing water from near the surface.
A UCI study shows that human-sourced greenhouse gas and aerosol pollution is lengthening and intensifying droughts globally. Drought hotspots in the Americas, Africa, and Asia have seen significant shifts due to anthropogenic forcing.
Researchers warn that hydrogen-based fuels are not a straightforward solution for climate targets, as they come with significant costs and energy losses. Direct electrification alternatives are often more economic and efficient.
A Yale School of Environment study found that efficiencies in new home construction, energy consumption, and household appliances have contributed to lower emissions, but other factors may cancel out progress. The researchers suggest shifting from single-family housing to multi-family housing could reduce energy demand by up to 47%.
Researchers found methane-oxidizing bacteria are 2-3 times more active in sheltered depressions off Western Svalbard during summer. The study improves understanding of landscape and seasonal influence on microbial communities and greenhouse gas balance.
Researchers found lightning and subvisible discharges produce extreme amounts of hydroxyl radical and hydroperoxyl radical, which break down greenhouse gases like methane. The findings suggest these electrical events could significantly affect ozone and atmospheric models.
Scientists have discovered a novel approach to separate and capture nitrous oxide, a harmful greenhouse gas, using hydroquinone clathrate. The study reveals that the organic crystal can trap N2O at high concentrations, making it a promising option for reducing emissions and saving energy.
The Tibetan Plateau has warmed more rapidly than the global average in recent decades, primarily caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The plateau's rapid warming poses significant risks for regional hydrological cycles and ecosystem services.
The MUCCnet sensor network in Munich quantifies carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide concentrations with unique spectral analysis. By removing local disturbances, the network provides robust and accurate emission balances.
A study compared seven countries' dietary guidelines and found significant variations in greenhouse gas emissions associated with food consumption patterns. India's diet had the lowest carbon footprint, while the US had one of the highest due to high dairy recommendations.
Two international studies show levels of CFC-11 emissions are back on the decline, dropping by thousands of tons per year between 2017 and 2019. The rapid action in eastern China and other regions likely prevented a substantial delay in ozone layer recovery.
Researchers led by Eliza Harris and Michael Bahn studied N2O emissions under environmental impacts, finding denitrification dominates production in dry soils. This process was previously thought to occur primarily in moist soils, leading to increased atmospheric emissions during drought.
A study found that 48 major US cities underreport their greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 145% compared to standardized estimates, affecting climate change policies. The discrepancies were likely due to limited local information on particular fuels or sectors.
Global land-use greenhouse gas emissions from 1961 to 2017 have increased, jeopardizing the Paris climate agreement's goals. Poorer countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa experienced the most pronounced surge in these emissions.
A comprehensive LCA study shows that reprocessed medical devices are environmentally superior to original products in 13 of 16 categories. Reprocessing advances the circular economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to half, aligning with the UN Sustainability Goals and EU Medical Device Regulation.
A new study reveals that human-induced climate changes have increased the occurrence probability of record-high SSTs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean from once-in-1000 years to once-in-15 years. The warming trend, accelerated since the 1980s, may intensify tropical cyclones and cause severe damages to East Asian countries.
Researchers predict up to 5,700 Northern Hemisphere lakes may permanently lose ice cover by 2055, affecting drinking water quality and quantity. Climate change projections indicate increased winter air temperatures will cause this loss, with shallow lakes more susceptible.
A study finds that thermal power plants are already struggling to keep up with growing electricity demand on hot days, leading to reduced capacity and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The research warns that as global warming intensifies, power plant outages on hot days could nearly double, straining the electricity grid.
A new study found that grasslands, a critical carbon sink, have become a source of greenhouse gas emissions due to increased livestock numbers and intensive management. Sparsely grazed areas provide significant cooling services, while intensively managed pastures contribute to warming.
Global greenhouse gas emissions could drop by 6.6 gigatons of carbon due to COVID-19 lockdowns, but recovery funding could offset gains if spent on polluting sectors. Stimulus packages targeting innovation and renewable energy can help achieve Paris Climate Agreement goals.
A new study warns that the current global nutrition transition will lead to an unprecedented increase in overweight and obese individuals, surpassing 4 billion by 2050. This, combined with food waste and unsustainable agricultural practices, poses significant threats to global hunger, public health, and environmental protection.
A new study published in Science finds that greenhouse gas emissions from the global food system could lead to a 1.5°C temperature increase by mid-century and 2°C by the end of the century. Transforming farming practices, eating habits, and reducing food waste are crucial to achieving climate goals.
The study found that removing dairy cows from US agriculture would decrease nutrient supplies, particularly calcium and vitamins, while having a minimal effect on greenhouse gas emissions. However, this reduction in essential nutrients could pose challenges for feeding the human population.
A new UNIGE study models 100 feasible scenarios to achieve Central European electricity sector targets by 2035. The research highlights trade-offs between cost-efficiency, renewable electricity, and regional equality, suggesting a compromise is possible to share costs and benefits evenly across regions.
A study found that following the Eatwell Guide diet in the UK can reduce mortality risk by 7% and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. The diet recommends consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables daily, wholegrain carbohydrates, and lean proteins.
Biofuel production from former cropland or pasture yields comparable GHG mitigation to reforestation; future improvements enhance benefits. Advanced biofuels could achieve up to 4 times greater GHG mitigation than reforestation, according to the study.
A new study published by GEOMAR scientists reveals that thousands of tons of methane are leaking from old drill holes on the North Sea floor every year. The research used combined investigations and seismic data to estimate that up to 3700 tonnes of methane could be emitted annually from this area alone.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a simple and cost-efficient logger for measuring greenhouse gases, including methane. The open-source Arduino-based system provides data on methane levels, temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide, making it easier to monitor emissions locally and globally.
A new University of Michigan study estimates that wealthy American homes generate about 25% more greenhouse gases than lower-income residences, mainly due to their larger size. The researchers used data from over 93 million American homes to create nationwide rankings by state and zip code.
Researchers from the University of Oregon have identified chemical changes caused by hot magma flows that dramatically altered the Columbia River region's landscape. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used oxygen and hydrogen isotopes to analyze 27 samples from dikes in the flood-basalt province.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant economic impact, with global consumption losses exceeding $3.8 trillion and 147 million full-time equivalent job losses. The travel sector was most directly affected, with cascading multiplier effects across the entire world economy.
Researchers argue that agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gas emissions is overstated and may even have a net positive effect on the climate. Per Frankelius proposes seven measures to reduce emissions while advancing sustainable agriculture.
A major new paleoclimatology study reveals that global warming has reversed 6,500 years of natural cooling, surpassing 1°C above the mid-19th century average temperature. The study, led by Northern Arizona University researchers, compiled previously published paleoclimate data and statistical analyses to show that the millennial-scale ...