Articles tagged with Greenhouse Gases
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 ...
A $20 toll for cars and taxis entering Manhattan's central business district could decrease gridlock by up to 40%, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15%. The study found that this measure would lead to a significant reduction in air pollution, including particulate matter linked to poor health.
A new study estimates that producing food to fuel walking and cycling leads to non-negligible greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers suggest reducing meat consumption and shifting towards plant-based diets can significantly lower these emissions, with potential reductions of up to 80%.
A New Zealand study of almost 50,000 people found that women use more diverse modes of travel and emit lower greenhouse gases. Women take shorter trips, walk more, and are more likely to use public transport than men.
A new study predicts a significant decrease in US snowstorms due to climate change, with a potential 28% reduction in frequency and size of snowstorms. The study suggests that winters will start later, end earlier, and experience fewer extreme snowfall events.
A new onboard separation technology developed at PNNL can separate ethanol from gasoline, enabling an octane-on-demand system that improves fuel economy. The technology has shown promising results in separating 95% of ethanol from commercial gasoline.
Research by University of California, Davis professor Paul Griffin suggests a positive relation between Canadian firms' market value and their greenhouse gas emissions. This is due to early adoption of protocols and national policies offsetting climate impacts on the economy.
A new study suggests that aggressive carbon taxation in the US could help meet its Paris Agreement targets by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research found that only limited opportunities for decarbonization exist outside of the electricity sector, but significant revenue can be generated from carbon taxes.
A recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences estimates that the Yangtze River Delta region contributes around one-third of China's total hydrofluorocarbon emissions. The study found that the region has a higher emissions intensity per capita, area, and GDP compared to national and global levels, with HFC-23 being the pr...
A recent study by the University of Bonn found that Brazilian soy exports have a significant impact on the climate, with varying levels of CO2 emissions depending on the location where soybeans are grown. The researchers used Life Cycle Assessment methodology to estimate the carbon footprint of Brazil's soy exports and found that some ...
Researchers found that cyclone frequency decreased in the southern Indian Ocean and western North Pacific but increased in the North Atlantic and central Pacific. The study suggests that climate change is driving these changes.
A recent international research project found that dry areas of inland waters release high levels of carbon dioxide, underestimating total emissions. The study suggests a global phenomenon with factors like temperature, moisture, and organic matter content playing a crucial role in the release.
Health experts recommend displaying warning labels on petrol pumps, energy bills, and airline tickets to inform consumers about the climate and health risks associated with fossil fuel use. The labels should state that continuing to burn fossil fuels worsens the climate emergency, leading to significant projected health impacts over time.
Global supply chains account for 10% of all global carbon emissions, which has tripled between 1995 and 2012. Researchers call these emissions "carbon-in-transit," as products move across borders with embedded carbon emissions.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a marine biodegradable plastic using starch and cellulose, demonstrating excellent water-resistance and high strength. The new material has the potential to significantly reduce marine debris accumulation and contribute to sustainable development goals.
Concrete production contributes to both global greenhouse gas emissions and local air pollution, but a study from the University of California, Davis, found that using cleaner-burning kiln fuel, more renewable energy, and replacing cement with lower-carbon alternatives can reduce climate and health damage costs by up to 44 percent.
Researchers from the University of Göttingen found that using palm oil from first rotation plantations leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, there is potential for carbon savings in plantations established on degraded land or by introducing longer rotation cycles or new oil palm varieties.
Research estimates that online shopping for fast-moving consumer goods produces varying levels of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional and 'Bricks & Clicks' models. Shoppers can reduce their footprint by walking or biking to stores, while retailers can cut emissions by switching to electric cargo bikes.
Researchers at KAIST have developed a long-lasting and economical catalyst that converts greenhouse gases into hydrogen gas and fuel. The catalyst, made from nickel, magnesium, and molybdenum, can work efficiently for over a month without degrading.
New research reveals that Mediterranean-type climates experience rapid decreases in rainfall when greenhouse gases rise, impacting water resources. Cutting greenhouse gas emissions can interrupt these effects, benefiting regions reliant on winter rainfall.
Researchers from University of Michigan found that using a manual dishwasher with the two-basin method can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18% compared to machine washing. They also suggest avoiding pre-rinsing and selecting energy-efficient settings to minimize environmental impact.
Researchers from Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies argue that the IPCC guidelines need improvement to accurately calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions. They suggest using satellite imagery and machine-learning tools to expedite quantitative synthesis and address data gaps.
A study found that adopting a plant-based diet in New Zealand could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4-42% annually, improve population health, and save the healthcare system NZD $14 to $20 billion over time. The research also highlights the importance of reducing food waste and promoting climate-friendly eating patterns.
New research finds that preparing land for palm oil plantations releases more greenhouse gases than mature plantations, accounting for almost a quarter of regional emissions. Laboratory analysis reveals significant CO2 emissions during drainage and young oil palm stages.
Despite reports of near elimination, global HFC-23 emissions are growing at record values, contradicting expectations. Scientists attribute the rise to increased production in developing countries.
A new study finds that irrigation has a significant cooling effect during warm extremes in regions such as Southern Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. This effect partly offsets the warming caused by global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the likelihood of hot extremes by a factor of 2-8 in some areas.
People with obesity produce more carbon dioxide due to higher metabolism and food consumption, contributing to 1.6% of global man-made emissions. Managing obesity can favorably affect the environment, with potential implications for healthcare and environmental policies.
A high-resolution geophysical survey has confirmed the ideal site for drilling a 1.5-million-year-old ice core in East Antarctica's Little Dome C area. The drill site, located 40 km away from Concordia Station, will provide valuable information on the Antarctic climate and greenhouse gases during the Middle Pleistocene Transition.
Scientists discovered that greenhouse gas emissions from volcanic rocks can create massive global warming effects, with calculations suggesting the largest temporary global warming of the past 65 million years. Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) are linked to spikes in climate change and the carbon cycle.
A new study by Rice University researchers warns that coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico are on the brink of collapse due to rising temperatures and ocean acidification. The study found that even reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement's targets may not be enough to preserve the reefs.
Researchers analyzed data on oil and gas well leakage in British Columbia, finding that 10.8% of wells showed reported leakage, with most incidents involving gas venting. Unremediated surface gas leakage from abandoned wells is estimated to produce significant GHG emissions, equivalent to nearly 75,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year.
Researchers estimate that greenhouse gas emissions up to 2030 will contribute approximately 1m of sea-level rise by 2300, with the top 5 emitters responsible for around 25% of this increase. Stringent near-term emission reductions are necessary to limit long-term sea-level rise
A new study found that using Napier grass as a nutrient-rich animal fodder can intensify small-scale dairy farming while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research modelled the impact of three scenarios for feeding diets to dairy cows in Kenya, and found that only the Napier grass diet reduced overall emissions by 2.5%.
A computational model using AI identifies optimal hydropower dam sites in the Amazon basin to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis found that dams built at high elevations tend to have lower emissions per unit of power output.
Researchers found that plant-forward diets can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water use, with even a two-thirds vegan diet having lower impacts than traditional lacto-ovo vegetarian diets. The study's findings emphasize the need for country-specific dietary shifts to address climate and nutrition crises.
The Soviet Union's collapse led to a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions due to decreased meat consumption and abandonment of cultivated land. This resulted in a reduction of around 7.61 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions from 1992 to 2001.
Researchers investigated uncertainty in greenhouse gas emissions estimates, highlighting seven key issues that dominate current understanding. They emphasized the need for a holistic systems view and communicating uncertainties to policymakers and the public.
A new study found that some countries' Paris Climate Agreement pledges may not be as ambitious as they appear due to inconsistencies in transparency. The researchers analyzed pledges by categorizing them into four categories: absolute emission reduction targets, business-as-usual reductions, emission intensity reductions, and pledges w...
A recent study found that incorporating physical activity into daily life through walking and cycling can significantly improve population health. The research estimates health gains ranging from 1.61 to 25.43 QALYs per 1000 people, with healthcare cost savings up to $2.1 billion over the remaining lifespan.
A recent NYC ridesharing study found a significant increase in trips originating from outer borough neighborhoods, with 56% of market share. This surge raises concerns about equity, as these areas are often underserved by public transit and traditional taxi services.